Everton now have just under two weeks to wrap up any final pieces of business this summer before the transfer deadline.
Sean Dyche will surely be pleased with the signings Kevin Thelwell has made at Everton over the last two months.
The Toffees return to Premier League action with their season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion as the first of the 18 farewells are made to Goodison Park this term.
Over the summer, it seemed as if Everton had pulled off some impressive signings with the likes of Jake O’Brien and Tim Iroegbunam impressing during the recent friendlies.
There could still be room for improvement with Everton showing an interest in adding Vitor Roque to their front line.
However, it is news from within the club which has now excited Thelwell ahead of the curtain raiser against the Seagulls.
Kevin Thelwell reacts to Everton news on Friday
Over the summer, there have been a number of announcements to come out from inside the club over off field matters.
This has ranged from the likes of John Textor signing exclusivity in his takeover bid for Everton to new commercial deals being announced.
But it is the signing of a first professional contract with the club which has left Thelwell delighted ahead of the weekend.
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On Friday, the club announced that the 18-year-old defender Odin Samuels-Smith had put pen to paper on his first professional deal with Everton.
It is news which Thelwell was delighted to hear: “We’re pleased to have Odin sign his first professional deal with the Club,” he told the club’s website.
“He progressed well with the Under-18s last season, playing plenty of minutes, while having a taste of football at Under-21s’ level. We’re looking forward to seeing him continue his development here at Finch Farm.”
Who is Odin Samuels-Smith?
The young defender has shown his versatility having played across the backline for the Toffees with appearances at both right and left-back as well as central defence.
Over the course of the 2023/24 campaign, Samuels-Smith predominantly featured for Everton’s U18s side where he made 23 appearances.
However, he did get the call up to play Paul Tait’s U21s side twice in the Premier League 2 after impressing at the lower age level.
“I’m very excited. It’s probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” the youngster added.
“I want to be playing first-team football to the best ability that I can,” he added. “I want to be breaking into that squad and starting regularly.
“[Playing at the new stadium] would mean everything. At my age, as well, it would be such a great feeling.”
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