It has been announced that Inessa Kaagman will leave Everton at the end of the 2019/20 season.
The Dutch international revealed the news initially on her Instagram and the club have followed up with an official statement. Everton have decided not to renew Kaagman’s contract after spending two years with the Merseyside outfit. She joined in 2018 from her home country after winning the league title with Ajax (via BBC Sport).
In her post, the 24-year-old wrote: “I had two great years where everyone at the club made me feel so welcome and at home! Thanks a lot and I am gonna miss you all! It’s time for a new challenge and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Back in December, Everton announced the signing of England international and former Manchester City star Izzy Christiansen. The midfielder enjoyed time with the Blues earlier in her career, before working her way to up to eventually move to dominant French giants Lyon.
Christiansen has yet to appear for the Toffees, which could tie in with the unexpected dismissal of Kaagman. The Lioness recently recovered from an ankle injury which stopped her participating in the Champions League final against Barcelona last May, which Lyon went on to win 4-1.
The 28-year-old is a well-established midfielder with 31 international caps and manager Willie Kirk could be looking to focus his midfield around Christiansen, hence why they may have allowed the Dutch international to move on.
Everton started the Women’s Super League season in fine form, but gradually slipped down the table as the months went on. As it stands, the Blues will finish in a respectable seventh place, on 19 points – just four behind fourth place Manchester United.
Kirk’s role at the club has been an influential one, and the addition of Christiansen makes it all the more exciting. It’s likely he will want to kit out his team and recruit players who are going to complement and aid the Lioness in the heart of the midfield.
What’s your take, Everton fans? Do you agree? Join the conversation in the comments below…