Nigerian international forward Toni Payne has locked in a major move to Italian side Inter Milan, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract that runs until June 30, 2028.
The 31-year-old forward makes the switch from English side Everton, injecting a wealth of top-tier European experience into the Nerazzurre squad just in time for the upcoming Serie A Femminile campaign.
Toni Payne: A Proven European Pedigree
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Payne climbed through the United States soccer pipeline before heading across the Atlantic to kickstart her European career with Ajax in 2017.
Her career truly took off during a highly successful six-year tenure at Sevilla, where she became a cornerstone of the Spanish top flight, racking up 168 appearances and netting 30 goals.
Following a stint with Everton in 2024, her move to Milan signals a highly anticipated return to Southern Europe.
On the international stage, Payne switched her allegiance to Nigeria and made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2021.
Since then, she has evolved into an indispensable asset for the national team, featuring prominently at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“Ready for Great Things” — Payne Reacts to Inter Move
Speaking to the club’s media during her official unveiling on Saturday, Payne couldn’t hide her excitement about donning the famous black and blue stripes.
“I’m really excited to be signing for Inter. There’s so much history surrounding 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 now and I’m really excited to be joining such a competitive league and a competitive team that are striving for great things.”
Payne also noted that the tactical and physical nature of the Italian top flight fits her style perfectly, adding:
“It’s a really competitive league. I think I have a couple of qualities that I can really demonstrate here, so I’m really excited to do that in the upcoming seasons.”