James Tarkowski is the headline signing of Everton's summer so far with the centre-back's move to Merseyside confirmed earlier this month.
The former Burnley defender is the only new arrival in the opening weeks of the transfer window and work to make sure he is not the last is ongoing. But while attention is understandably focused on the first team, a lot of work behind-the-scenes has gone onto securing the futures of Everton's young stars.
Not only has Kevin Thelwell made significant changes to the academy setup, the director of football and those around him have offered contract extensions and, in some cases, first professional deals, to what the club hopes will be the stars of the future. This is an overview of the 11 agreements confirmed so far.
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Dylan Graham
Goalkeeper Graham became the latest memeber of the club's Academy set-up to put pen-to-paper when he signed his first professional contract, agreeing a one-year deal until the end of June 2023, on Monday. Born in Belfast, Graham made the move to Merseyside last summer, aged 16, having previously played for Irish League side Ballymena United.
Speaking on his new deal, he said: “It's been a big goal for me since I was very young - to play professional football. It's a big moment for me and my family.
“Obviously, leaving home at 16, coming to a different country throws up challenges, but I was coming to do something that I love and everyone at the Club made it very easy for me.
“The boys and the coaches were super friendly and welcoming - and that helped me settled here quickly. It’s always going to take a little bit of time to get used to things but from the minute I walked through the door, I have loved everything about Everton.
“It was a very easy decision to sign the contract. To continue here at such a big club, it makes me - and my family - extremely proud.
“I just want to get my head down and keep working hard now. I want to help the Under-18s go far in the FA Youth Cup and the league.”
Einar Iversen
Midfielder Iversen has signed a new one-year contract, it was announced over the weekend, keeping him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2023.
The Norwegian joined the Blues from Stord IL five years ago and has seen his progress disrupted by a serious injury suffered in March 2021. Everton have now rewarded his determination with a contract extension. The 21-year-old said: “I’ve had incredible support from my team-mates and the physios and coaches and always felt like everyone in the club wanted me to come back and do well."
Sean McAllister
Midfielder McAllister signed a one-year contract extension with the club until the end of June 2023.
The Northern Ireland youth international said: “ It feels brilliant to sign this contract. Myself and my family are so happy, as I’ve loved being at Everton ever since I joined three years ago. It’s such a family-orientated club. Everyone around the place makes you feel so welcome. Now I just want to kick on and improve all aspects of my game. I want to create more chances and develop my defensive play.”
Joe Anderson
Defender Anderson secured his future with the club by signing a two-year contract extension until the end of June 2024.
He said: "I'm delighted. It was an easy process. I spoke with Kevin [Thelwell] and he's explained the next steps for me over these next two years – it's really exciting, with the new academy structure. It felt perfect and I didn't have a second thought about signing the contract. It's amazing to get two years as well. It's a bit of security for me but it shows the club have faith in me which is a big boost."
Mathew Mallon
Right-back Mathew Mallon signed his first professional contract with Everton, penning a two-year deal until the end of June 2024. Mallon, who has been at the academy since the age of four, captained Everton U18s last season and has already made a handful of appearances for the Under-21s.
The West Derby-born defender said: "It's a massive boost to get everything signed. It means so much for me and my family. To know it's done and that I'm secure for the next two years is a great feeling. During last season, it looked like I was going to leave but the club wanted to keep me and it's every boy's dream to play for a club like Everton, so I'm pleased to get it sorted."
Jack Barrett
Goalkeeper Barrett signed a new one-year contract until the end of June 2023.
The 20-year-old joined the academy aged nine and made two Premier League 2 appearances last season. He said: “I'm very proud. It's a big moment for me and my family. I've been at the club for a long time now and it's a great feeling to be staying for another year. It means a lot, especially as an Evertonian myself. There's a good group of goalkeepers in the Under-21s but I just want to train hard and play as many games as possible."
Liam Higgins
Higgins signed his first professional contract, agreeing a one-year contract until the end of June 2023.
The 19-year-old Wales youth international said: “From a young age, I’ve had a dream of becoming a professional footballer and it means so much for that to become a reality. This is a huge club that has produced so many brilliant players. After a tough couple of years through injuries, this is an opportunity to show the quality I can produce and repay the faith the club has shown in me."
Elijah Campbell
Campbell signed his first professional contract this summer, penning a three-year deal with the club until the end of June 2025.
The 17-year-old defender joined the academy aged 13 and trained with the first team last season. He was captain for Everton Under-18s during the early part of the 2021/22 campaign before being promoted to the Under-21s, making 16 appearances in Premier League 2.
He said: “This club means a lot to me. It’s where I started my career, it feels like home, and during my time here I think I’ve really progressed. Last season was a positive one for me as I stepped up to the Under-21s and, towards the end of the campaign, was training with the first team and travelled with them on matchdays, too. That helped me progress as a player. It was a real test coming up against so many talented forwards. They make you think faster and helps you improve both physically and mentally.
“Getting the chance to work alongside a manager like Frank Lampard was amazing. Everything he says to you, you take on board. Getting defensive tips from someone like Ashley Cole was so beneficial, too. It gave me a taste of being at that level and more determined than ever to become a regular there one day.”
Mackenzie Hunt
Hunt signed a new one-year contract until the end of June 2023. The versatile 20-year-old, who first joined Everton's academy aged six, has fought back from injury to earn his new deal.
He said: “As long as I am on the pitch, I am confident good things will follow. This is a big season for me, I need to keep my body in good shape, work hard and have a good start. I am not thinking about too much beyond the next six months. The past few seasons have been tough and I am excited to get back and stay fit and play.”
Sebastian Quirk
Quirk signed a one-year contract with the club that will keep the midfielder with the side until the end of June 2023. The 20-year-old boyhood Evertonian, who joined the Blues’ academy aged 11, said: “It’s an amazing feeling for me, especially being a Blue. I’m delighted to be able to extend my time here. I’ve supported this club since I was a kid. It’s a dream to play for Everton. The atmosphere around the club is so positive. Everyone wants to work together and progress."
Zan-Luk Leban
Leban agreed a new one-year deal with the club until the end of June 2023.
The 19-year-old Slovenia youth international was signed from Polish side FCB Escola Varsovia in 2019 and is set to continue his development at Finch Farm. The goalkeeper said: “I’m very happy to sign this new deal. Everton are a big club and I’m buzzing to keep learning and progressing as a goalkeeper."
Lewis Warrington
Warrington signed a new two-year contract with the club until the end of June 2024.
The 19-year-old impressed for Tranmere Rovers on loan last season, making 17 appearances. Upon signing the new deal, the Birkenhead-born teenager, a lifelong Blue who joined Everton's academy aged six, said: “My next goal is to go up and train with the first team, try to impress, and give my all in every training session. You wouldn’t really be a midfielder if you’ve never said you have looked up to players like Frank Lampard. I certainly have. I want to go in and try to impress him. He’s always been a role model to me, and I would like to learn from him and hopefully that will make me into an even better player.”
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