Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman ‘disappointed’ after Everton sign Francis Okoronkwo
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has expressed his disappointment after Francis Okoronkwo’s exit to Everton.
Everton’s official Twitter account retweeted their academy’s announcement that they had signed the 17-year-old from the Black Cats on Monday [20/09/21].
Okoronkwo is now set to link up with Paul Tait’s Under-18s side after he agreed a professional contract with the Blues until the end of June 2024 [official website].
The news didn’t go down too well with Speakman, whose reaction was relayed on Sunderland’s official website.
“We are disappointed that Francis and his family took the decision to leave the football club earlier this summer, as we demonstrated a clear pathway for him to continue his development into the first-team environment,” Speakman said.
“Throughout the summer, we have displayed our ability to retain and attract young talent and we have started to honour our long-term commitment that our homegrown players will be integral to our philosophy and future success. Although we are disappointed Francis will not be a part of that process, we wish him and his family well.”
Starlet
It’s no wonder Speakman has expressed his annoyance at the deal – Okoronkwo looks to be a future star in the making.
The 6ft 3in attacker made 17 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season, scoring three goals and supplying three assists as he played two age levels up.
He clearly caught the Blues’ attention in May as he scored and supplied an assist in a 4-3 win over the Under-18 side.
Okoronkwo has now travelled the same route as Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, though the former comes at a much younger age and with considerably less pressure surrounding his arrival.
However, a fee that could reportedly rise to £1million [Craig Hope, Daily Mail] will surely have all eyes on him at youth level as he bids to break through at the Blues and eventually establish himself in the first team.
In other Everton news, Blues player reacts after Aston Villa star issues written apology.
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