LEICESTER CITY HAVE announced the acquisition of Republic of Ireland international Heather Payne following her exit from Everton.
Payne, 25, spent the past two seasons on Merseyside but has joined fellow Women’s Super League club Leicester until the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.
The adaptable Payne, who can operate at right-back or in a more forward role on the right wing, “further bolsters our defensive options” ahead of the upcoming season, Leicester stated in a release.
Payne will team up with Ireland U19 international and frequent senior call-up Katie Keane on Amandine Miquel’s roster, with the young goalkeeper having transferred to the King Power Stadium from Shamrock Rovers in late June.
“This is a place where I can develop, and I’ve heard really good things about the team itself and the staff,” said Payne.
“Belvoir Drive is an outstanding facility and that’s an added bonus having access to everything you need as a player. It looks really good and I’m excited to get to work there.”
Payne, a 50-cap Ireland international, will aim to make her Leicester debut during the club’s Women’s Super League season opener away to Manchester United on Sunday, 7 September.