Finch Farm Everton
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 15 July 2025 9:15, UK
Everton are set to strengthen their academy ranks this summer, as the Friedkin Group readies investment at all levels.
Finch Farm has contributed to a lot of top talent over the years, with Jarrad Branthwaite the latest successful young star after signing from Carlisle.
While Everton are searching for signings who can make an immediate impact, they are also scouting top young talents who can join their ranks and develop in blue.
Charlton Athletic teenager Reuben Gokah has been linked in recent weeks, and Everton are now on the verge of signing him alongside another defender.
Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton.
Branthwaite reached the first-team as an academy graduate (Credit: Imago)
Gokah and John Dodds to join Everton
Gokah is a 16-year-old centre-back who has impressed in the Charlton academy, and he is close to a move to Finch Farm this summer to join the under-18s.
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As per The Athletic (July 15), Gokah is expected to be joined by fellow centre-back John Dodds, who will join from Scottish Premiership side Hearts.
Both players are expected to join before the start of the new season, and the Toffees will hope to have the deals tied up soon for their under-18 squad.
Player Age Club Position
John Dodds 16 Hearts Centre-back
Reuben Gokah 16 Charlton Centre-back
Everton are closing in on both signings
Everton believe that Gokah has the potential to reach the very top, while the move for Dodds may have been influenced by David Moyes.
Moyes is seemingly keen to bring more Scottish talent to the club, with his knowledge of things north of the border giving him an advantage in identifying the best prospects.
David Moyes Everton
David Moyes wants to bring more Scottish talents to Everton. (Credit: Imago)
Everton can use academy stars more
Branthwaite’s emergence has been a success story, as the centre-back went from the academy to the first team and quickly became a star player after joining, with his value now skyrocketing.
Everton have tied him down to a long-term deal, but if Branthwaite were to ever leave in the future, the Blues would make a massive profit on him.
They will now hope that Gokah and Dodds can follow a similar path to the first team, and the pair are set to play together for the under-18s.
Securing two top talents should also give the youth sides an overall boost, and can help improve the other young stars in the team by giving them a strong defensive base.
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