Nigeria midfielder Toni Payne has joined Italian Serie A Femminile side Inter Milan following her departure from Everton, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Nerazzurre announced the signing on Saturday, confirming that the 31-year-old has signed a two-year contract that will keep her at the club until 30 June 2028.
Payne was among the six players Everton announced would leave the club following the expiration of their contracts, ending her two-season spell with the Women’s Super League side. She made 39 appearances for the Toffees after joining from Spanish club Sevilla in 2024.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Payne began her European career with Ajax in 2017 before moving to Sevilla a year later. She spent six seasons in Spain, making 168 appearances and scoring 30 goals for the Liga F side before her move to England.
After representing the United States at youth level, Payne switched her international allegiance to Nigeria, making her senior debut in 2021, and has since established herself as a regular for the Super Falcons. She was part of the Nigeria squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and has also represented the country at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games. Payne is also part of the Super Falcons squad for the 2026 WAFCON after being named in the team announced on Friday.
Speaking after completing the move, Payne said she is excited about starting a new chapter of her career in Italy.
“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 the latest Super Falcons player to feature in Italy’s top flight, joining compatriots such as Shukurat Oladipo and Rinsola Babajide at AS Roma, and will be hoping to make an immediate impact as Inter continue their push for major honours.
