Everton chiefs blown away by signing of Francis Okoronkwo
Everton chiefs have been left blown away by the deal to sign Sunderland forward Francis Okoronkwo this season.
The Liverpool Echo have reported that only a fraction of the £1million will be paid upfront, with significant clauses included.
Toffees chiefs are said to believe that they have secured one of the brightest talents in the country with this deal.
Okoronkwo turns 17-years-old later this month, and will then be eligible to sign professional terms at the club.
It would be no surprise, despite only just signing that the young attacker would agree to another contract on longer terms.
Highly-regarded club scout John Doolan delivered regular scouting reports last season, and it looks as though he has found a real gem.
Okoronkwo still has some time to go before making it through the ranks, but getting him through the doors early will help his development.
Delighted.
Rafa Benitez will be delighted that the club are plotting for the future, and after adding experience, that is vital.
There has been a clear shift in approach since the Spaniard arrived, with bids for such as Daniel Jebbison and Nathan Patterson being lodged in the previous window.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin arrived in a similar deal from Sheffield United all those years ago, and look at what he has gone on to do.
This deal is cheaper and Okoronkwo does have a lot of hype around him, hopefully, that doesn’t get to his head.
Our academy is in very good health right now, and deals such as this one are only going to help that keep improving over the years.
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