The new U18s, to be led by Matthew Taylor, include Kai Hutchison and Jonathan Nsangou
ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 28: Jonathan Alipson Nsangou of England U16 in action during the Friendly Match between Italy U16 and England U16 at Centro Sportivo Giulio Onesti on August 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Antonio Masiello - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
View Image
Everton’s new scholars include a marquee signing and a forward who burst onto the scene midway through last season.
The club has welcomed 11 recruits into their Under-18s for the coming season - though several of them already have experience at that level, and higher.
They include Jonathan Nsangou, an England and Poland youth international who made his debut for the Under-21s last season at the age of just 15.
The teenager, who captured further headlines with a goal from the halfway line for the U16s in the Cup of Rhodes Knights in Greece, came off the bench during a thrilling home game with Aston Villa at Finch Farm.
He will now be leading the line in the U18s with new addition Kai Hutchison, the 16-year-old forward signed from Dundee United this summer.
Hutchison turned down a professional deal at his former club with a series of English sides tracking his progress. Everton moved quickly at the beginning of the summer to line up a move for the youngster, who has one goal in five appearances for Scotland Under-15s and represented Dundee United’s B side twice last season. He has also trained with the first team and travelled with the senior squad to a game against Hibs.
Hutchison is joined by another new signing in left back Tom McDermott, who has been picked up from Chelsea. The other scholars include right back Divine Madueke, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and several who have risen through the ranks at Finch Farm, including goalkeeper Ted Wilcox, midfielders Rodney Aduda, Harry Brookes, Lucas Moogan, Levi Okorie and Daff Pemberton.
Of the cohort, Harlow McEveley - whose dad Jay McEveley had a solid career after rising through Finch Farm - is the most experienced. The centre back, heading into his 13th year with Everton, made 23 appearances for the U18s last season.
Meanwhile, another defender who played for the U18s last year has now penned his first professional deal with Everton. Rocco Lambert will step up to the U21s this season after agreeing to extend his stay with the club.
The 17-year-old said: “It's a moment I've dreamed of since I was a kid. For me and everyone around me – my family, friends – we’re all buzzing. They're proud of me and I'm proud of myself. I've had up and downs, I've had injuries as well, but (I'm) just trying to overcome that. I've enjoyed my time at Everton a lot.”