It has become a bit of an annual churn at the Under-21s level for Everton in recent years.
Thankfully, for everyone concerned, the days of retaining players in their early- to mid-20s to bolster the U21 ranks have long gone. This year saw the in-season permanent transfers of a few players like Halid Djankpata, Charlie Whitaker and Stanley Mills who had all shown promise of making a breakthrough to Everton’s first team squad but ultimately fell short. They at least have clubs to call home.
The full list of U21 players with expiring contracts this summer was, at the time of writing:
Goalkeepers: Billy Crellin, Zan-Luk Leban, Fraser Barnsley
Defenders: Elijah Campbell, Jack Butler, Jack Tierney
Midfielders: Tyler Onyango, Luke Butterfield, Matthew Apter, Callum Bates, Harvey Foster
Forwards: Owen Barker, Coby Ebere, Isaac Heath
It appears that Isaac Heath has done enough to earn an amazing 3 year deal and it would not be a surprise to see one or two others like Harvey Foster get an extension. The list above could well be subject to change over the coming weeks.
Manchester United U21 v Everton U21: Premier League 2 Play-off Isaac Heath chases after the ball
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
To be fair, most of the players listed had ceased to be regulars for the U21s the later part of this season either though injury, loans, or the emergence of others from the younger group, the U18s. So, for continuity at this level, much of the transitioning has already been done and the likes of Braiden Graham and George Morgan have become regulars in the matchday squad. It does leave the U21 level team under Paul Tait low on numbers however.
There are also certain to be a few U21 players looking for development loans this year, some of them for the first time.
Those that are under contract that are likely to go out for second season loans include Harrison Armstrong, though many, like me, believe he has already outgrown being associated with the youth ranks. In addition to Armstrong, contracted players who could be in line for a further loan out include: centre back Reece Welch, goalkeeper Harry Tyrer, midfielder Jenson Metcalfe and forward Francis Okoronkwo. I personally think the interesting one to watch amongst those is the position of Tyrer.
The Blues, having said goodbye to both Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic may possibly take the view that the 22 year old from Crosby can join the group of ‘keepers that will put pressure on Jordan Pickford. That would probably with the addition of another senior goalkeeper into that group. Tyrer’s time at Blackpool has certainly caught the attention of a lot of people and the Tangerines’ manager Steve Bruce has already said he wants him back but Everton’s (and Tyrer’s) needs should come first.
Everton v West Ham United - Premier League Harry Tyrer warming up back in 2021
Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images
It’s a key time for a few who have never been loaned out such as right back Roman Dixon, strikers Martin Sherif and Omari Benjamin and winger Kingsford Boakye. A few of those players turn 20 this year and I would imagine the older ones would have to make a strong impression on loan somewhere to bring them back into possible first team focus for the Blues.
The other angle, apart from promoting some of the exciting Under 18 players, is whether the Friedkin Group stand by their commitment to buy younger prospects with high potential and strong re-sale value. Hopefully that translates into an influx of top youngsters from across the Football League and wider in Europe, etc.
Last season there was fairly minimal investment with the likes of Will Tamen (Burton Albion) and Justin Clarke (AFC Wimbledon) joining. We may see that increase this season?
There’s bound to be some interesting developments in the next few weeks and of course the opportunity for the young players to impress David Moyes in pre-season. Good luck to them all!