Everton are in advanced talks to extend the contract of their women’s team head coach, Brian Sørensen. The 44-year-old Dane, who has been in charge since 2022, is set to have his current deal expire in June 2026. Since taking over, Sørensen has led the team to respectable finishes of sixth and eighth place in the Women’s Super League (WSL) during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, respectively.
Currently, Everton sits in eighth place, three points behind fifth-placed Brighton, with a 10-point cushion from the relegation zone. The team has found form recently, winning three of their last six matches. Their revival comes after a challenging start to the season, during which they were languishing at the bottom of the WSL in mid-November. Injuries and other setbacks hampered the early part of the campaign, but a key victory over Liverpool at Goodison Park helped spark a resurgence. Additionally, the completion of The Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club in December has provided a boost, and it is understood that the new ownership has been impressed with the team’s recent performances under Sørensen’s leadership.
Sørensen, who is also known for his stability and commitment, has expressed his contentment with life at Everton. He has spoken warmly of his family’s adjustment to the local area, noting that his daughter has developed a “scouse accent” and is thriving in her school. It is this sense of personal and professional fulfillment that has likely contributed to the talks surrounding a potential contract extension.
The possibility of an extended deal for Sørensen would contrast with the recent trend in the WSL, where managerial changes have been frequent. Out of the 12 teams in the league, eight had different managers 12 months ago, and five have made managerial changes so far this season. In this context, Everton’s intention to keep Sørensen on board is seen as a move toward securing stability within the team. Sørensen is currently the second-longest serving manager in the WSL, behind only Marc Skinner of Manchester United.
Alongside Sørensen, assistant manager Stephen Neligan is also expected to extend his stay at Everton. Neligan, who has worked with Sørensen since 2020, previously teamed up with him at Danish clubs FC Nordsjælland and Fortuna Hjørring. Their strong working relationship and familiarity with each other’s methods have contributed to a stable coaching environment, which has been instrumental in Everton’s recovery this season.
Further strengthening the squad, Everton have recalled 17-year-old defender Issy Hobson from her loan spell at Sheffield United, who are currently bottom of the Women’s Championship. Hobson is now available for the final four league fixtures of the WSL campaign, adding depth to the defensive options at Sørensen’s disposal. Hobson’s return provides additional defensive cover for a team that has shown resilience in recent months.
In addition to Sørensen’s potential contract extension, there are discussions about the future of Goodison Park as a permanent home for the women’s team. The Friedkin Group, which completed its takeover of the club in December, recently commissioned a feasibility study to explore whether Goodison could serve as a long-term venue for the women’s team, further solidifying the club’s commitment to its women’s football program.
With Sørensen at the helm, Everton’s women’s team is positioned for continued growth and success, and the potential contract extension reflects the club’s desire to build long-term stability.
