Toni Payne Joins Inter Milan on Two-Year Deal After Everton Exit

Nigeria international Toni Payne has completed a move to Italian Serie A Femminile club Inter Milan Women following her departure from Everton Women.

The Italian club confirmed the signing on Saturday, announcing that the Super Falcons midfielder has signed a two-year contract that will keep her at Inter until June 30, 2028.

Payne became a free agent after Everton confirmed she was among six players leaving the club at the end of their contracts, bringing an end to her two-year spell with the Women’s Super League side. The 31-year-old made 39 appearances for the Toffees after joining from Spanish side Sevilla FC Femenino in 2024.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Payne began her European career with AFC Ajax Vrouwen in 2017 before moving to Sevilla the following year. She enjoyed a successful six-year stint in Spain, making 168 appearances and scoring 30 goals before switching to England.

On the international stage, Payne initially represented the United States at youth level before committing her future to Nigeria. Since making her Super Falcons debut in 2021, she has become a key figure in the national team.

She played an important role in Nigeria’s successful 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign and has also represented the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games. Payne was also included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 WAFCON, which was announced on Friday.

Speaking after sealing her move, Payne expressed her excitement about returning to Italy and beginning a new chapter in her career.

“I’m at a different phase of my career now, and I’m really excited to be joining such a competitive league and a competitive team that are striving for great things,” Payne said.

“I’m really excited. It means a lot to be here.”

Payne becomes one of the latest Nigerian players to feature in Italy’s top flight, joining fellow Super Falcons stars Shukurat Oladipo and Rinsola Babajide at AS Roma Women. She will be aiming to make an immediate impact as Inter seek to challenge for major domestic honours in the 2026/27 season