Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has completed a move to Italian giants Inter Milan Women after leaving Women’s Super League side Everton, signing a two year contract that will keep her at the club until June 2028.
Inter confirmed the arrival of the Nigeria international on Saturday, adding one of Africa’s most experienced midfielders to a squad targeting success in both domestic and European competitions.
The move brings an end to Payne’s two year spell at Everton, where she made 50 appearances after joining from Spanish club Sevilla in 2024.
Speaking after the announcement, the 31-year-old described the transfer as the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
“I’m really excited to be signing for Inter. There’s so much history at the club, and I’m really happy to be a part of it.
“It means so much to me. I’m in a different phase of my career. I’m really excited to be joining such a competitive league and a competitive team that are striving for great things.”
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Payne arrives in Serie A Femminile with a wealth of European experience.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, she began her professional journey in Europe with Dutch side Ajax before moving to Sevilla in 2018.
During six productive seasons in Spain, Payne established herself as one of Liga F’s most consistent performers, making more than 180 appearances and scoring 30 goals before earning a move to England with Everton.
Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Women’s Super League Correction not Burnley, Everton women remained in the WSL Payne remained an influential figure for the Toffees, showcasing the versatility and creativity that have become trademarks of her game.
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Payne believes her style of play is well suited to the demands of Italian football and is eager to contribute immediately.
“The league is very competitive. I think I have a couple of qualities that I can demonstrate here, so I’m excited to do that in the upcoming seasons.
“I think I have a lot of speed, I like to dribble a lot and put in good crosses. I really hope those qualities can help Inter a lot, and I’m eager to get started.”
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Although she represented the United States at youth level, Payne switched her international allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 and has since become a key member of the Super Falcons.
She has featured prominently at major tournaments, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, and was recently named in Justine Madugu’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
