Manchester City star has passed England audition and Chelsea clash proved it

Even Brian Sorensen knew.

As the Everton boss addressed the media from the press conference suite at Finch Farm last May, it was clear he knew Jess Park's time at Walton Hall Park came with an expiration date. The young midfielder had dazzled on her season-long loan from Manchester City, impressing enough to win a first senior England call-up and establishing herself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Women's Super League (WSL).

It was her technical brilliance and attacking zeal that had propelled Everton to a top six finish but, when asked about the prospect of Park returning to Merseyside after the summer, Sorensen's response spoke volumes about the 22-year-old's immense potential. "I think Jess went into the England team and showcased herself really well," he said. “I think City have big plans for her so hopefully she will do the same for them as she did for us this year. I think that (her returning to Everton is) not likely.”

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Indeed, it was decided Park should stay put at the Joie Stadium this season, where it was expected she would stake a claim for a starting spot in Gareth Taylor's side. Prior to her Everton move, she had already amassed a half-century of appearances for City, having made her senior debut for the club at the age of just 16.

She had previously shown flashes of brilliance for the Blues, setting up Georgia Stanway to score a crucial extra-time goal in the 2020 FA Cup final, but had largely been relegated to a role on the fringes of the squad. Her ambition this term, then, was to make the transition from supporting cast member