Everton goalkeeper announces he’s leaving after six years at Goodison Park
Everton have seen another player officially parting ways with them ahead of the 2025/26 season.
In David Moyes’ and The Friedkin Group’s first summer transfer window, there is expected to be plenty of movement on Merseyside.
Not only will the Toffees be leaving Goodison Park for the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but players will also be parting ways with the club.
Zan-Luk Leban bids farewell to Everton
After six years on Merseyside, goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban will be parting ways with the Toffees ahead of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old moved to Everton as a teenager but failed to establish himself as a first-team player under multiple managers.
This season, in Premier League 2, he made five appearances and conceded 13 goals.
| Premier League 2 stats 2024/25 | Zan-Luk Leban |
| Matches | 5 |
| Goals conceded | 13 |
| Clean sheets | 1 |
The Slovenian just managed to keep one clean sheet and a new deal was not forthcoming for him.
Via Instagram, Leban wrote: “Thank you, Everton, for the past six years. I enjoyed every moment of my time here. It has been a pleasure to be a part of such a massive club.
“I came as a kid and I am leaving as a man.
“Thank you to everyone at the club; coaches, teammates and all the staff behind the scenes.
“Once a Blue, always a Blue.”
Everton need to improve their youth recruitment
Everton’s need to improve their youth recruitment is critical for long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the Premier League, especially given their financial constraints and recent inconsistencies at the senior level.
The departure of high-wage players like Abdoulaye Doucoure highlights the urgency to develop cost-effective talent pipelines, as reliance on expensive transfers is unsustainable under Financial Fair Play regulations.
Everton’s academy has historically underperformed compared to rivals like Liverpool or Manchester United, with few graduates securing consistent first-team roles.
Enhancing scouting networks to identify young and versatile talents, particularly dynamic midfielders or forwards, will provide depth and future resale value.
Investment in coaching, facilities, and data-driven recruitment strategies can attract prospects from diverse regions, ensuring a steady flow of players suited to the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands.
By prioritising youth development, Everton can build a resilient squad, foster club identity, and avoid overpaying for ageing stars.