Everton confirm decision on Francis Okoronkwo following Doncaster Rovers loan spell
Everton have confirmed the release of Francis Okoronkwo following his injury-plagued loan spell at Doncaster Rovers.
The forward cut his teeth at Sunderland and his exploits at youth level prompted Everton to fork out a reported £1m for his signature in 2021.
However, a first-team breakthrough in Merseyside failed to materialise and he was loaned out on three separate occasions.
Francis Okoronkwo is leaving Everton having failed to make a single first-team appearance for the Toffees.placeholder image
Francis Okoronkwo is leaving Everton having failed to make a single first-team appearance for the Toffees. | Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Everton confirm decision on ex-Doncaster Rovers loanee
After spells at Salford City and Lincoln City, Okoronkwo was parachuted into Doncaster’s battle for League One survival in January. He showed early promise, registering a goal and an assist across his first three league outings, but succumbed to an injury that ended his season prematurely.
The 21-year-old has now joined the free agent market having been informed he will not be getting a new contract at Everton.
He has been cut loose alongside fellow youngsters Jacob Beaumont-Clark, Kingsford Boakye, Roman Dixon, Bradley Moonan, Tyler Onyango, Reece Welch, Goodness Gospel-Eze, Louis Poland, Charlie Stewart and Kean Wren.
Francis Okoronkwo’s career path
Injury has denied Okoronkwo the blistering start to senior life he desired, but there is still plenty of time for the frontman to develop.
In January, after making his Doncaster debut in a 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Southampton, he told The Yorkshire Post: “When I first became a pro, if it wasn’t for injuries, I’d have been out [on loan] even earlier.
Francis Okoronkwo spent time on loan at Lincoln City before making the switch to Doncaster Rovers in January.placeholder image
Francis Okoronkwo spent time on loan at Lincoln City before making the switch to Doncaster Rovers in January. | Nigel French/PA Wire
“The sooner you get into men’s football, the better. Obviously, it’s got to make sense. You can’t just be going to any team. But if it makes sense, 100 per cent get yourself out.
“You have a long career, it’s a slow process. Most people aren’t gunning from the start and that’s the same with me, it’s been a slower process than I would have liked, but I’m enjoying it every step of the way.”