Everton's academy has seen a troubling exodus of young talent on free transfers this summer, underscoring systemic issues that must be addressed to ensure the club's sustainable growth. The departures of players like Frankie Okoronkwo, who joined as a 16-year-old for £1m but left for nothing, highlight a failure to convert potential into value.
Burnley Compensation and Released List Expose Academy Woes
The Burnley compensation judgement in June served as a painful reminder of the mismanagement during Farhad Moshiri's ownership. Meanwhile, the club's released list revealed another consequence of survival mode: a lack of pathway for academy graduates. Several promising players, including Reece Welch, Tyler Onyango, Roman Dixon, and Frankie Okoronkwo, have left without generating transfer fees or making significant first-team impacts.
Injuries and Financial Crisis Stalled Development
Injuries played a major role in derailing these players' progress. Welch's loan at Belgian club KMSK Deinze ended when the club folded, and subsequent injuries prevented loan moves. Dixon required surgery after a serious injury, delaying his move to Stockport County. Onyango suffered his fourth serious injury in six years, ending his season in February. Okoronkwo damaged both hamstrings, curtailing his loan at Doncaster Rovers. These personal setbacks coincided with Everton's financial crisis and relegation battles, making it difficult for managers Sean Dyche and David Moyes to prioritize youth development.
Academy Talent Exists but Pathway Is Broken
Despite these losses, Everton's academy has produced talent. Anthony Gordon was sold to Newcastle for £40m, and Harrison Armstrong is emerging as a future Premier League star. Nathan Broadhurst, Ellis Simms, Tom Cannon, and Isaac Price have all succeeded after leaving, while Stan Mills and Jenson Metcalfe have impressed at lower levels. The issue is not a lack of talent but how it is managed. Substitute appearances and targeted loans could have raised players' values, aiding PSR compliance and funding future prospects.
New Academy Leadership Faces Key Test
The new academy setup under Nick Cox and Dean Rastrick must prioritize pathways to the first team and strategic loans, as demonstrated by Jarrad Branthwaite's successful spell at PSV Eindhoven. Retaining Harrison Armstrong is a top priority, alongside developing internal talents like George Pickford, Douglass Lukjanciks, Martin Sherif, and Malik Olayiwola, as well as recent signings Braiden Graham, John Dodds, and Reuben Gokah. The departure of Ademide Akarakiri highlights the need for genuine opportunities.
Moyes Seeks Stronger U21 Pipeline
David Moyes has noted a lack of U21 talent ready for first-team action, contrasting with his West Ham squad that featured several emerging players. He and the academy staff must work together to resolve this. With Everton leading the race to sign Dundee United's 16-year-old forward Kai Hutchison, they cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that saw Okoronkwo leave for free after five years. The club must ensure that young talents are either integrated into the first team or sold for profit, not lost for nothing.
