Imam Jagne has opened up on his two-year spell with Everton after joining the club's youth set-up in 2020
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A former Everton youth team player has claimed he had to fight to not be 'thrown among wild dogs' during his time in England. Imam Jagne signed for the Blues from Hacken in 2020 on a three-year deal for around £1.25 million, although he never went on to make a senior appearance for the club.
He eventually left the club to train with Hacken and then joined Mjallby in January 2023. After impressing there, the Swedish youth international has agreed to move to IFK Goteborg on a four-year deal.
Following the confirmation of the transfer, Jagne spoke about his time on Merseyside with Fotboll Skanalen (h/t Sport Witness). The 21-year-old revealed he learned a lot while at Everton, although also made it clear how ruthless youth football in England can be.
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"It has been developing mentally," he said. "I have learned a lot about myself. There are some other character traits there. I came there from England, where it was all about sharpening your elbows to try to survive and not be thrown among the wild dogs.
"Then I came to 'Lister'. They probably don't know what wild dogs are there. There were great contrasts. But everyone there has their heart in the right place.
"The years in Liverpool have made me make the most of my time in Mjallby. I have been able to take all the challenges and really tried to get the best out of them, without losing sight of what was most important. Trying to help Mjallby to three points – regardless of whether I was on or off the field."
Jagne was born in The Gambia and moved to Sweden as a child. He has represented Sweden at youth level and earned two caps for the Under-21 side in 2024.