Everton strike deal to sign brilliant English player as full details shared
Everton are set for a busy transfer window this summer.
The Toffees have a lot of players out of contract in June. Some have been told they can leave, while negotiations over a new deal have stalled with others.
David Moyes has already been linked with a few star signings, but he will have a task on his hands to build a squad ready to improve on this season’s showing in the Premier League.
With that said, the club is also looking to the long-term future and looks set to sign a brilliant young English player from the lower divisions.
Everton finalise deal with teenage star Reuben Gokah
The Merseyside club have a history of giving teenagers their big break at an early age, whether that’s Wayne Rooney or James Vaughan.
Now, they have struck a deal with 16-year-old Charlton Athletic defender Reuben Gokah.
According to a report from Alan Nixon on Patreon (11 June), the Toffees hierarchy believes Gokah has everything it takes to play at the highest level of football.
He has been a star of the Charlton youth team and has played for England at Under-15 and Under-16 level.
Moyes’ reputation could a long way to attracting starlets
It was Moyes who handed Rooney his professional debut as a 16-year-old back in 2002. His unforgettable goal against Arsenal made him the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer, although that honour was stolen from him by James Milner a few months later.
Moyes was also responsible for introducing 16-year-old Vaughan in a 2005 Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. He scored Everton’s final goal in a 4-0 victory to take the youngest goalscorer accolade for himself.
Vaughan, who is 90 days younger than Rooney and 86 younger than Milner, still holds the record to this day.
| Premier League youngest goalscorers | |
| James Vaughan (16 years, 270 days) | Everton vs Crystal Palace, April 2005 |
| James Milner (16 years, 356 days) | Leeds vs Sunderland, December 2002 |
| Wayne Rooney (16 years, 360 days) | Everton vs Arsenal, August 2002, |
Gokah is a commanding defender rather than a menacing striker, but the idea of working with Moyes may have tempted him to Merseyside.
When a manager is known for giving youth a chance, it’s more likely that the stars of tomorrow will want to play for him.
That bodes well for Everton now that Moyes is back in the hotseat.