Everton midfielder Jack Patterson signs first professional contract with the club
Everton midfielder Jack Patterson has signed his first professional contract with the club, penning a three-year deal until the end of 2025.
Northern Ireland youth international Patterson joined Everton this summer from Irish Premiership side Crusaders and has come on leaps and bounds.
The midfielder confessed it is every boy’s “dream” to sign a professional contract and gave kudos to Everton legend Leighton Baines.
“To get a professional contract as a footballer is every young boy’s dream,” Patterson told evertonfc.com
“It means so much to me, my family, and everyone back in my hometown of Ballyclare.
“I’ve settled in very well ever since I joined Everton in the summer. From day one, the players have really taken me in. It feels like I’ve been here for years.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Leighton Baines. He’s a very humble and down-to-earth person. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in football and I love playing for him.
“He understands the game so well. I remember him as a player and he was incredible, so it’s great to learn from someone who has been there and done it at the highest level.”
Bright future.
Patterson has a bright future at Goodison Park and will be given every opportunity to succeed at the club, it’s renowned for promoting youth.
He holds the record for the youngest-ever player to appear for his former side Crusaders, highlighting his prowess at a young age.
Patterson made his debut for the Belfast-based club at just 15 years old, a remarkable figure and one the Toffees evidently took advantage of.
And having Leighton Baines as your mentor is certainly a good thing, the true professional was classy on and off the pitch and will be a great example for Patterson.
It’s unclear if and when Patterson will be used by Frank Lampard, but due to his age, it’s likely he’ll be given a fair few runouts in the Premier League 2 initially.
The Under-18s midfielder now has plenty of time to impress the upper echelons of the club, hopefully, he can rise through the ranks quickly.