Everton teenager Lewis Warrington set for first-team pre-season after signing new contract
Lewis Warrington has signed a new deal at the club and is set to be part of Frank Lampard’s first-team pre-season, according to The Athletic.
The teenager was on loan at Tranmere since January this year, and was attracting interest ahead of becoming a free agent in the summer.
That won’t happen now as he has extended his stay at Goodison and will apparently get a chance to impress his manager before any decisions are made for next season.
After signing the two-year deal the midfielder said, via The Athletic: “I’ve supported Everton all my life and playing for my boyhood club is what I’ve dreamt of.
“To sign another deal, it’s massive for me, my family and my friends. They’re all made up for me.
“My next goal is to go up and train with the first-team, try to impress, and give my all in every training session.”
He may be in loan for a further loan next season, with interest reported, including again from Tranmere where he made 17 appearances.
Future
Since the Toffees boss hasn’t had a chance to see what Warrington can do in person the opportunity to be part of the pre-season is a massive chance for him.
Lampard arrived after the 19-year-old had left for League 2, where he has apparently shown enough for the club to see value in extended his contract.
The competition in the first team midfield is set to thin out, with Donny van de Beek gone back to Manchester United and Fabian Delph appearing unlikely to get a new deal.
With Andre Gomes, Allan, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Tom Davies all reportedly available for transfer (90min) there is likely no better time than now for Warrington if he is going to break through.
It would no doubt be a big step up to go from the fourth tier to the top flight, but Lampard has a history of working with youngsters so it isn’t out of the question.
Failing that, a loan at a club in a higher division than he was in most recently would be the logical next step if he isn’t going to feature yet at Goodison.
It is always a feel-good story for academy products to make it over the line and into the first team and Warrington has a chance to push for that now.
In other Everton news, a Premier League rival may have just jumped ahead of the Toffees for a prime target that Lampard was thought to be at the head of the queue for.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.