Everton’s first-teamers will return for pre-season later this month.
Those at the World Cup will be granted an extended holiday, so they will miss the first week or so of training.
Everton’s first pre-season friendly will take place on the 18th of July away at Scottish outfit Dundee FC.
- July 18 – Dundee FC (A)
- July 25 – Bolton (A)
- July 28 – Stoke (A)
- August 1 – Hamburg (A)
- August 8 – Stuttgart (A)
- August 12 – Newcastle (A)
- August 15 – Lille (H)
Mahrez has just left Al-Ahli… should Everton sign him on a free? 👀
Ahead of the seven scheduled friendlies, we’ve picked out three very promising teenagers in the academy who could feature in the games.
Three Everton teenagers to look out for in pre-season
Braiden Graham – Forward
It has already been reported that Everton plan to have a close look at Braiden Graham in pre-season.
Graham, who netted 21 goals in 31 appearances for the academy last term, is attracting interest from the EFL.
Moyes and his chiefs evidently want to see him in a couple of first-team friendlies before making a decision on whether to send him out on his first loan.
Where do you stand on Braiden Graham… would you give him his debut? 🎯
Malik Olayiwola – Midfielder
Malik Olayiwola is a very highly-rated teenager at Finch Farm and is actually an England international for the under-17s.
According to El Bobble, Everton had to fend off interest to get him on a professional contract, so you’d imagine part of the pitch was centred around giving him first-team opportunities.
“Everton Academy midfielder Malik Olayiwola has signed his first professional contract with the Club, penning a deal until June 2028 – Everton beat a number of clubs to secure deal – Olayiwola capped,” the Toffees insider posted in January.
Olayiwola was on the bench when Moyes’ side suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Sunderland in the FA Cup last season.
Shea Pita – Winger
After celebrating his 17th birthday in May, Everton were quick to tie Shea Pita down to a professional contract.
Pita, who has played four times for Wales’ under-19s, plied his trade for the reserve team last year, which shows how highly-rated he is.
The winger has been fast-tracked far beyond his age group, so the next natural step is getting some experience with the first team.
Pita is extremely versatile as he can operate on either flank and even as a right-back when needed.
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