Everton gem Douglass Lukjanciks, Manchester United badge in inset
Everton gem Douglass Lukjanciks, Manchester United badge in inset
The 19-year-old goalkeeper is on loan at Southport, who play in the National League North.
He signed his first professional contract with the Blues in October 2024, and is highly-regarded at Finch Farm.
He was sent to the sixth-tier outfit to gain senior experience and so far, it is working well.
He has earned the starting spot in recent weeks, making four appearances for the Sandgrounders.
It has had a negative affect on Michael Carrick's side, and may see them make a decision when the transfer window comes around again.
Why Everton's Douglass Lukjanciks will force Manchester United into action
Lukjanciks' rise has led to United youngster Solomon Honor not getting a sniff for the PR8 side.
A report from Manchester Evening News on Thursday claims that the Red Devils are considering recalling Honor in January.
The goalkeeper is currently on loan at Haig Avenue, but it states that he has permanently returned to Carrington in the last month.
He was moved to the bench to accommodate Lukjanciks after a change in manager.
Therefore the Toffees loanee could force their Premier League rivals into transfer action.
When could Lukjanciks challenge for Everton spot?
Lukjanciks will hope to eventually challenge Jordan Pickford for a place in David Moyes' side.
However, that seems like a long time away, as he is only just getting his first taste of senior action, and it is at such a low level.
He has made headlines in the academy sides, most notably, when he saved three penalties in a shootout in the FA Youth Cup win over West Ham in January 2026.
It is a familiar path, though, as fellow Under-21 star George Pickford, who is no relation to the England number one, also spent time there last season and thrived.
He also has to pass Mark Travers and Tom King in the pecking order, if he is to challenge for a starting role, and will likely need more loan spells at higher levels to prove himself.
It will likely be a long time before we see him in first-team action, but beating competition from United's academy is an encouraging development.