Everton's first summer signing gets her first minutes in Blue after representing Super Falcons at Olympics 

Toni Payne made her unofficial debut for Everton as they registered an impressive 4-0 win over Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly staged at Finch Farm on Sunday afternoon. 

The versatile Super Falcons midfielder reported for pre-season training at Everton last week after representing the Super Falcons at the 2024 Olympic Games, where she started every single game contested by the Nigeria national team.

Exactly a month ago, Payne ended her six-year association with Sevilla in Spain to become the first signing of the summer transfer window for Brian Sorensen’s side.

Against the Magpies, goals from Veatriki Sarri and Katja Snoeijs gave Everton a two-goal advantage after 61 minutes.

Shortly after Everton's second goal, manager Sorensen made three changes, one of which saw Payne enter the fray for her first minutes in Blue.

Italy international Martina Piemonte bagged a brace to secure a comprehensive win over the Women's Championship side. 

Payne looked fantastic in her first appearance for Everton and seemed to have gelled with her new teammates after a few training sessions. 

In their next friendly, Everton will take on Sunderland in a behind-closed-doors match at Finch Farm on Sunday, August 25.

Payne's competitive debut for her new employers will not take place until September 21 when they face Brighton & Hove in their Women's Super League opener at Broadfield Stadium in West Sussex.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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