Arsenal sign Brazilian winger Gio Queiroz, loan her to Everton
Everton have signed Giovana Queiroz Costa on a season-long loan from Arsenal.
The 19-year-old Brazilian international, nicknamed as ‘Gio,’ has completed a permanent transfer from Barcelona to the North London club.
Brazil’s national team coach called Gio “the future” for her country. She is Everton’s tenth and final signing of the summer, joining forward Jess Park, Dutch striker Katja Snoeijs, Australia’s Clare Wheeler, goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, forward Aggie Beever-Jones, forward Elise Stenevik, and Danes Karen, Sara, and Katrine Holmgaard, and Katrine Veje.
Gio has 12 caps for her country and assisted Brazil to Copa America victory this summer as the winner of the 2021 Samba Gold Feminino award, which honours Brazil’s greatest player working abroad.
The winger, an aggressive striker with flair, aspires to make an immediate impression at Everton.
“I’m ecstatic to be joining Everton for the season,” Gio told reporters. “I’ve met the players, and it’s a fantastic group in an incredible environment. This will be a year of growth for me, to improve myself and get to know the league.”
A rising star! 🇧🇷⭐️
In her first 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻𝘁𝘃 interview, @gio9queiroz reveals her excitement to meet Evertonians and hopes to impress during her spell on Merseyside.
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) September 14, 2022
“We are all aware that the WSL is a thrilling competition with some of the top players in the world.” I’m excited to get started and hope to offer my own flair and enthusiasm to the squad. This is a fast-paced league, but speed is one of my strengths, so I’m hoping to adjust soon. I’m young, but I’m not inexperienced. Any obstacle that comes my way is fantastic because it just makes me a better player. I’m eager to study and see what I can do. To all Everton supporters, I hope to meet you soon,” she added.
Manager Brian Sorensen has announced that his Everton team for the 2022/23 season is officially complete, as he welcomes another young star to the Club.
“We are delighted to welcome Giovana to the Club,” he told reporters.
“She’s the final piece of the jigsaw for our squad in terms of having a diverse frontline.” We are thrilled that we were able to reach an arrangement with Arsenal to bring her here and assist with her development and progress. She’ll be in a nice environment, and I’m convinced she’ll be a fantastic player in the future. Her expertise at both the club and international levels will prepare her for the level of training we provide. Gio can concentrate on what she can add to the squad since she has come to a club like Everton that has a fixed structure, an identity on what we are aiming to develop,” he stated.
With six attackers to select from, Sorensen explained how each player must contribute to Everton’s success.
“Gio is entering the club late in the window, so we’ll give her time to settle in, but I’m confident we’ll see a great player who can assist us as a team,” Blues manager continued. “In terms of the speed and style of play, I believe she is appropriate for this level. Our style of play places a high demand on our offensive players. To assist satisfy those demands, we now have players who can start or come off the bench.” If we want to be successful, everyone in the group must contribute. With the individuals we currently have, we have the ability to be unpredictable, and I’m delighted that Gio has chosen to join us.”
Sorensen reflected on a hectic but successful summer of work following the transfer deadline on Thursday evening.
“I’m quite satisfied with the work we’ve done,” he remarked. “We have a really talented team.” Now it’s about how we operate, about maintaining that distinct identity, and I’m certain that the players will stand up and deliver week after week. Our goal is to produce elite international players. Some will take a few years, while others will burst through immediately, but we will work hard to guarantee the ultimate outcome is the same,” he concluded.
Queiroz might make her debut against West Ham United on Sunday, while Arsenal kick off their season against Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, after the first round of games were postponed due to Queen Elizabeth’s death.
