Another summer has come and gone, the transfer window slammed shut, somewhat unceremoniously at The Blues training headquarters, as the Everton Under-21s’ experience has sadly mirrored that of the first team.
The lack of information or quality of information from the club has also been mirrored at this level.
There was one pleasing announcement on Wednesday however and that was the signing of 20 year old Ezra Carrington. To everyone’s delight (surely) that is two right backs signed in 24 hours!! He’s
pictured below, an England Under-19 international who has been with Manchester City’s Academy for the last four years. The short video shows he can score a goal also!
What we do also know is that there were a fair number of trialists looked at during the pre-season none of whom appear to have been successful. Also at U21 level. a goalkeeper we have yet to see, Zach Lee and possibly a centre midfielder called Corey Edwards although I spotted that on a non-official site (see below) and it may still be filtering through.
For what it’s worth I’ve seen clips of this lad in action and he looks a real talent, 19 years old so would be one of the senior U21 players, “make it happen”!
Through the outgoings door making a familiar season long loan was Eli Campbell, (see main picture) now 22 but never having truly established himself as a first team squad member. He’s featured in the last 4 pre-seasons’ games to varying degrees and is versatile, being comfortable as a centre back or left back. It does make you wonder why, when the first team squad is now so depleted, he wasn’t made to stick around a bit longer as cover? Eli has gone to League One MK Dons this time.
Also leaving but on his first loan was 19 year old promising winger Joel Catesby now thankfully fully recovered from a horrific leg break and ankle dislocation an year ago. He is a winger on either flank and I really rate him, low centre of gravity, good pace and not one to be intimidated. He has joined a regular loan destination, League Two’s Accrington Stanley,
That is pretty much it however there is still the Scotland transfer window that closes at 5pm on Thursday September 3rd and a few other windows also. It will be interesting to see, for example, if George Finney gets another call to play in Scotland after his good spell with Ayr United last season.
Plenty of surprises about those staying (unless someone knew that the first team would be so small). I would have thought there might be loans for the following players:
Braiden Graham (though he may now actually get a sniff of the first team). He’s in need of pitching his slight frame against grown men each week. It’ll make or break him. He definitely has the talent and goalscoring instinct. Another year in Premier League 2 is simply a year wasted!
Will Tamen (below) the powerful centre back and captain had a loan last year with Tranmere Rovers. He picked up a knock and had to leave the field last week. Hopefully that will not ruin his chances.
Both goalkeepers George Pickford and Douglass Lukjanciks are surely frustrated not having a loan especially after the signing of a goalkeeper (Lee) brought in specifically for the U21s
Midfielders Callum Bates, Jack Patterson, Francis Gomez also. I get the impression Harvey Foster will stay as shadow to the first team after he made a strong impression pre-season.
Frankly, there are so many in danger of stagnating that I fear a repeat of the David Unsworth era of having lots of 21-year-olds not getting anywhere fast.
Good luck to the new arrivals and those that have left on loan!
