A look at the Saddlers’ latest signing, after ex-Everton right-back Dixon joins.
Walsall have landed the signing of former Everton right-back Roman Dixon.
The 21-year-old, who was released by Everton at the end of last season, has penned a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Here is everything you need to know about the Saddlers’ 12th summer recruit.
Depth and potential at right-back
Dixon is set to compete for a spot at right-back with Walsall duo Rico Browne and Elicha Ahui.placeholder image
Dixon is set to compete for a spot at right-back with Walsall duo Rico Browne and Elicha Ahui. | Owen Russell
There would hardly have been alarm bells sounding if Walsall had ended the window with Elicha Ahui and Rico Browne fighting it out for the right-back spot.
But the signing of Dixon has certainly brought further depth to the position and has also provided Walsall with another young talent to develop.
His potential once piqued the interest of Sean Dyche in 2024, even if his sole Premier League appearance came in the wake of an injury and suspension crisis at right-back.
‘A fleet-footed full-back’
New Walsall man Dixon spent 10 years on the books at Everton.placeholder image
New Walsall man Dixon spent 10 years on the books at Everton. | Getty Images
He spent a decade in the ranks at Everton and would likely be further along in his journey had injury not interrupted his progress.
In a report by The Athletic in August 2024, Dixon was described as a “fleet-footed full-back” with a propensity to surge from deep and beat defenders.
His long throw was identified as another asset, but Everton under-21s boss Paul Tait also outlined the areas that he needed to improve.
“He showed flashes of his pace, which is a standout. As a young player, he’s still got some bits around the edges - his understanding and positioning, but that gets better with time and appearances,” Tait said at the time as part of the report.
‘Baptism of fire’ - Dixon’s Premier League debut
Roman Dixon made his Premier League debut for Everton in 2024. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Roman Dixon made his Premier League debut for Everton in 2024. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Days later, Dixon was thrown in at the deep end when Dyche handed him his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur.
Suddenly, the then 19-year-old was in the starting line-up and facing the likes of James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Heung-Min Son.
Everton were condemned to a 4-0 defeat in North London, but Dixon was praised for his performance by the media.
Dixon challenges Wilson Odobert in Everton's defeat at Tottenham two years ago.placeholder image
Dixon challenges Wilson Odobert in Everton's defeat at Tottenham two years ago. | AFP via Getty Images
BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella wrote: “He is coming out of it having won a few one-on-one duels versus Wilson Odobert and Son. It has been a real baptism of fire, without any protection in front of him, but he can hold his head high.”
Dixon would later go on to feature in League Cup ties against Doncaster Rovers and Southampton, both at Goodison Park, in the 2024-25 season.
Injury setback
Dixon played with new Walsall teammate Jed Ward for England under-24s in 2024.placeholder image
Dixon played with new Walsall teammate Jed Ward for England under-24s in 2024. | Tim Thursfield/Iconic Media Group
But his rise was halted by a serious ankle ligament injury, which required surgery in April 2025 - and ruled him out for the next seven months.
The injury proved particularly poorly timed because it was reported that he was poised to join Stockport County on loan for the following season.
He eventually made his return earlier this year and did make the loan switch to Edgley Park in January, where he made nine appearances across all competitions.
In addition, Dixon also represented England at youth level - first featuring in an under-16 fixture against Scotland in 2019.
Dixon then made two caps for England under-20s in 2024, and emerged from the bench on his debut in a Three Lions’ line-up, which included new Saddlers goalkeeper Jed Ward and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham.