Everton departure shouldn't detract from useful transfer tool that could transform season

Much of the discourse in recent weeks has centred on which players Everton might enlist to bolster their chances of climbing the Women's Super League (WSL) table.

However, the Blues' first order of business in this month's transfer window was not to announce any incomings but rather to confirm the departure of an outgoing player. "Everton can confirm Alyssa Aherne has ended her loan spell with the Club and returned to Manchester United," read the statement posted to the club's website last Friday.

"Everyone at Everton wishes Alyssa all the best for the future." Aherne signed for the Blues in the summer on a season-long loan from Marc Skinner's side. A versatile young forward, it was hoped the 19-year-old would inject some ingenuity into Everton's front line and produce the same kind of glittering form fellow WSL prospects Jess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones exhibited during their own loan spells at Walton Hall Park last term.

Everton dealt major transfer blow as defender joins Chelsea

Everton supporters can join 'emotional' final event of its kind at Goodison Park

Unfortunately for both parties, that hasn't quite been the case, with Aherne having made just three first-team appearances during her time on Merseyside. She has now returned to United, who have confirmed they will seek further development opportunities for her elsewhere.

Aherne's exit, though, should not detract from how useful a tool loan moves have proved to be for Everton in the past - and how vital they may yet prove to be in the future. Park and Beever-Jones both impressed for the Blues last season, with the former being named the club's Young Player of the Season before returning to parent club Manchester City in the summer.

Beever-Jones, meanwhile, saw