Everton could copy Simms masterclass as ‘next step’ emerges for ‘highly-rated’ gem

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Everton boast a fine history of youth production, having cultivated some of England’s finest talent over the years.

However, as has often been the case with this club, they have been forced to sell before they could buy.

Farhad Moshiri’s 2016 purchase of numerous stakes sought to expel such a mindset, but years of financial mismanagement have only exacerbated the issue, with the academy providing a fine outlet for boosting their coffers giving each sale marks pure profit.

As such, the departures of Ellis Simms and Tom Cannon over the summer were frustrating ones, but important with regard to balancing the books amidst the FFP nightmare that still looms over Goodison Park.

The same could now be set to occur with Francis Okoronkwo, but not before he follows the path of the latter to earn the interest needed to command a fee similar to the £8m gained from Coventry City; a fee which could increase too should the Sky Blues gain promotion.

That is at least what The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland is suggesting, who revealed just yesterday that the 19-year-old striker was on the verge of agreeing a new long-term deal with Everton.

Describing him as ‘highly-rated’ within the club, he also revealed that his ‘next step’ would be an EFL loan following his impressive assimilation into the Premier League 2.

How good is Francis Okoronkwo?

Having joined from Sunderland back in 2021, the £1m spent marked a significant investment into the bright future of a teenager unknown by many.

However, his exploits within their academy setup have many on Merseyside talking of the energetic forward who has been tearing through the ranks.

A steady start of three goals in eight U18s Premier League matches laid the foundation after a fine debut campaign, which he would then convert into four goal contributions in just three matches at the same level, earning his promotion.

U21’s football beckoned, and he would finish the 2022/23 campaign on four goals and two assists in the Premier League 2, having started the new term off with two strikes and an assist as well.

Okoronwko is the latest in a long line of youngsters to have begun his rise at Goodison Park, perhaps set to copy Simms’ masterclass by going out on loan, thriving at the Championship level, and returning with a hefty price tag on his head.