Lucy Hope has signed a new Everton contract that will keep her at the club until June 2025.
The 26-year-old has been almost an ever-present in Brian Sorensen's new-look side, missing just one league match due to injury this term. Hope has been a standout performer since Sorensen's arrival last summer, having primarily been deployed as a right wing-back under the Dane.
A leader on and off the pitch, Hope has also become a senior figure in the Everton squad and is part of Sorensen's captain’s group. And the Scotland international, who arrived on Merseyside from Bristol City in 2019, has now penned a new two-year deal at Walton Hall Park.
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“I’m absolutely delighted to extend my stay,” Hope told evertontv. “I think the way the club and team is going at the minute is such an exciting time to be here and be involved.
“Brian came up to me quite early this season and was keen to have me stay. I think as a player that is obviously encouraging. To put pen to paper now, I’m just ready to get the next chapter going.”
Reflecting on how Sorensen has helped to develop her game, Hope added: “That’s another reason why I wanted to stay. Brian’s introduced me to a new position that I feel like I’ve been doing well in.
“He’s obviously seen something in my game that I had the attributes to play in that position. I’m playing really well and I want to continue that.”
Everton are enjoying an impressive season in the Women's Super League and are well on course for a top-half finish. However, Hope believes this is only the beginning for Sorensen's exciting young side.
“I think good players can play all over the pitch. I take that with confidence,” she said. “I still think I’ve got miles to go. I don’t think I have even scratched the surface of my potential yet.
“I think together, by staying here, I can help the Ccub reach their potential just as much as they can support me reaching mine.”
And manager Sorensen is delighted Hope - who is nicknamed the 'Scottish Scouser' - has committed her future to Everton.
“Lucy has been vital for what we want to achieve,” the Dane said. “She’s been so consistent - probably our most consistent player alongside Gabby George - and been really good at adapting to a new position.
“It’s something I identified before I came in. Her heading is extremely good, she’s comfortable on the ball. Looking at her attributes and thinking how that could fit in the way that we wanted to play, it made sense for her to play there.
“She’s clever, understands her role really well, is easy to work with and is a good character. She leads by example and I’m extremely pleased Lucy has extended her stay at Everton.”
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