Why Harvey Foster is set to provide Everton with double-edged dilemma

Harvey Foster's form in Everton's youth ranks is becoming harder and harder to ignore.

Foster joined Everton at the Under-11 level, after previously spending time with Blackburn Rovers.

He's also the son of ex-Manchester City defender John Foster, and has captained Everton at Under-18 level.

After spending a number of years in Everton's Under-18s, Foster is now a regular for the Under-21s.

He's a defensive midfielder by trade, but he also carries a box-to-box threat that flashes his all-rounder potential.

For David Moyes and Everton's first-team decision-makers, his development is both a very exciting, and challenging thing.

How good has Harvey Foster been in Premier League 2 this season?

Premier League 2 (PL2) is the top level of academy football in England, and is where many top youngsters transition to first-team stardom from.

Everton have played four games in this league so far in 2026-27, winning once, drawing twice and picking up one defeat.

Despite a modest start, Foster has been in superb form, and has started all four of the Toffees' PL2 outings and has notched one goal.

Per FotMob, no defensive midfielder in PL2 this season has taken more headed shots on goal than Foster's two.

Meanwhile, he ranks in the top 2.6 percentile for his five shots on target, as well as being in the leading 6.9 per cent for his five aerial duels won.

Foster's 259 touches (top 8.6 per cent), 154 successful passes (12.1 per cent) and four successful crosses (10.3 per cent) are all amongst the best in his position too.

If he continues on the trajectory he's on, he looks set to soon outgrow PL2 football and will be ready for senior opportunities.

This is exciting, but it creates a possible problem regarding Everton's already crowded and largely youthful central midfield room.

Harrison Armstrong, Hayden Hackney, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz: that's a lot of talent that, barring transfers, isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Especially in Hackney and Alcaraz's case too, those are two talented central midfielders who are already struggling to carve out key roles as it is.

The same may not be said for Foster, however, unless Everton pull their contract fingers out soon.

What is Foster's contract situation at Everton?

After spending much of his youth with Everton, his talent has long been held in high regard at Finch Farm.

This was put into clear display last year, as the Toffees inked him to his first professional contract.

Foster penned a two-year deal, meaning he's currently scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season.

But given his outstanding numbers in PL2 and for the Under-21s in general, the Toffees surely won't want to see him leave, especially for nothing.

It may not seem like a pressing priority, but Everton chiefs must see it as one, as otherwise another side could soon enjoy the fruits of the Toffees' labour.