Scott Phelan has expressed his relief that a transfer deadline day bid from Manchester City for Ornella Vignola was turned down as he looks to create an identity in his first full season as head coach of Everton Women.
Manchester City have been left without Vivianne Miedema with a knee injury that could keep her out for the rest of the calendar year. After they failed to get Fiamma Benitez out of Atletico Madrid with an offer of over £500,000, they turned to Everton's Vignola.
Bid rejected due to lack of time and player's importance
Unlike David Moyes, who was left without star man Iliman Ndiaye when there was a late £65million offer from the Etihad Stadium, a report in the Guardian states a bid of about £400,000 is understood to have been turned down by the Blues. This was largely because they felt they would not have time to source a suitable replacement but also because of Vignola's importance to Phelan's side.
Scouser Phelan, a former Everton trainee, is quoted by the club's website as saying: "We are really happy that she [Vignola] is here. We do not want her to go anywhere and are really happy to continue with her.
"We want her to develop with us every day, we are keen for her to keep feeling that. We hope she can have a big impact for us throughout the season.
"Last year, our starting XI was the youngest in the Women's Super League. If you perform well, you will get opportunities at this football club.
Phelan targets identity and growth
"We know that the team and the players that we have brought in are of good potential. Creating an identity is the main things that we want to achieve. The teams that are in and around us in the league positions, we want to beat them.
"We feel like we have brought in a group of players that can grow and develop with the team. They are an exciting age, and we can push them even further.
"We are working hard to create what an Everton side should look like: a team with passion, connection and skill."
Everton start their 2026/27 WSL season with a trip to newly promoted Crystal Palace at 2pm on Sunday – the same time that Moyes' men kick off at home to Manchester United – with the game taking place at Sutton United's VBS Community Stadium.
Tough test against newly promoted side
Wary of what his side will be up against in the fixture, Phelan, 38, said: "We are expecting a tough game against a newly promoted team at their home. They got promoted last season so their mentality will be used to winning, it will be a tough test."
