Photo from Everton site
MANILA, Philippines – Mayumi "Maz" Pacheco is taking her talents to Liverpool after signing with Women's Super League side Everton.
The 26 six-year-old has joined Everton, the team announced on Wednesday, after the expiry of her contract with Aston Villa.
She is the eighth signing of the Toffees during the summer transfer window.
The Philippine Women's National Football Team player has been a mainstay with Aston Villa since 2021, making 73 appearances for the club and scoring two goals during her four-year stay.
"It is amazing to join Everton. To be at such a historic club is an unbelievable feeling. I wanted to stay in the WSL and give it my all," she told EvertonTV.
Everton shared a video of Pacheco in Goodison Park, the first stadium she visited as a child. Pacheco was born in Ormskirk, which is a few miles away from Liverpool, where Everton is based.
The defender expressed her happiness and excitement to play in Goodison Park.
"I have matured as a player and for Everton to be the club to bring me back home is fantastic. To be close to family, to have friends already in the squad, and to be able to come to play at Goodison Park is amazing," Pacheco shared.
Pacheco, who was born to an English father and Filipino mother, played for England at the youth level. She was called up to play for the Filipinas in 2024.
"It was my grassroots club that brought me to Goodison Park and we wore blue wigs. I remember sitting in the top tier. Returning to Goodison now, it is surreal how we have gone full circle and, 10 years later, it will be the Club that I play for," she said.
Pacheco, who will wear the number 33, shared why she signed with Everton.
"For me, it was a no-brainer after seeing the investment that Everton Football Club are putting into the Women's side. That is what you want. You want a team that backs the project that you want to achieve. There are big things happening here and to be a part of it is special," she said.
"Another attraction is the calibre of players already in the team and who Brian has brought in. They are players I can learn from. What is important is to make sure I push myself, make sure I grow and develop. The talks with Brian and how he wants to play matched with my philosophy," Pacheco added.
On her Instagram, Pacheco shared her thoughts on returning to her roots while thanking her supporters.
"10 years living away from the city… it’s about time I came home. New club, new colours, same goal," she wrote.
"I am really excited to be a part of this club, there’s something special going on here and I can’t wait to show it this season. Goodison soon?" Pacheco added.
Everton manager Brian Sorensen had nothing but good words for Pacheco following her signing.
"Maz is a top-quality player who will bring so much to the Club on and off the pitch. She has a lot of experience in this league and has good relationships with several members of our squad already," the Blues boss said.
"Maz has shown her talent throughout her time in the WSL, and I am delighted to have her with us at Everton. Maz is another quality addition to our squad and gives us another reason to look forward to the historic season ahead," Sorenson added.