Everton partnership with Nagoya Grampus delivers first glimpse as two youngsters train with Blues

Everton's partnership with Nagoya Grampus has been put into action this summer.

The Friedkin Group agreed a strategy agreement in August 2025, expanding their network.

The Japanese club already have a relationship with AS Roma, the other major team who the American businessman have under their control.

The sides will share develop young players, share coaching advice, work on community projects and explore opportunities to build their brand together.

It could be a first step for the Blues to get into the Asian market, which could prove to be very profitable both on and off the pitch.

Two of the J-League side's young players have now been over to train with the Toffees' academy in the latest development.

Which Nagoya Grampus players are spending time with Everton?

Saito Taiyo and Hayato Yairo have spent the week training with the Blues's youth team.

A release from the Toyota Stadium outfit on X on Friday confirmed that was the case, and the Blues followed suit through their own academy account.

It states that they came on as second-half substitutes in a training match held last weekend, and initially had trouble adapting due to tension and language barrier, but eventually found their feet.

They are understood to have one week left with Everton Under-18's before returning to their parent club.

It could help the Hill Dickinson Stadium expand their academy, and get more stars through the system like Harrison Armstrong.

Why Nagoya partnership could help Everton in the future

The relationship with Nagoya could be very beneficial for David Moyes' side in the long-term.

They could bring some of the Japanese club's best talents in and potentially give them a platform to succeed in the Premier League.

The Asian market is one that the Blues have struggled to break into and take advantage of, and the partnership could help them with that.

At the very least, it could help them crack the region, in terms of marketing and branding, which may lead to vastly increased revenues.

More money means better players signing and the Toffees moving up the top-flight table, and having greater prospects in the future.

Hopefully, they can make the most of the agreement, and see the progress that it has the potential to bring very soon, rather than it just becoming an afterthought.

The multi-club model seems to be adapted by most clubs nowadays, so it is a smart move by the Friedkins.