Everything we know as Everton sign off on Douglass Lukjanciks deal

Everton have signed off on young goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks' loan exit.

The 18-year-old is to link up with Southport, who compete in the National League North.

It marks the first time Lukjanciks has spent time away from Everton, where he has spent the duration of his young career to date.

Lukjanciks signed his first professional deal with Everton in October 2024.

There are high expectations for Lukjanciks at Everton, but for now he is to gain experience elsewhere.

And it is a familiar path the teenage shot-stopper is treading on his first foray away from Finch Farm.

Douglass Lukjanciks follows familiar Everton path

Everton confirmed Lukjanciks temporary exit via their official website on Tuesday evening.

Lukjanciks made 25 appearances for Everton's Under-21s and Under-18s last season and has been used once in Premier League 2 this campaign.

He made headlines in January when saving all three penalties for Everton in their FA Cup shootout win over West Ham United at Goodison Park.

Lukjanciks is not first-team ready yet, though, and he has now followed the same path as fellow Everton goalkeeper George Pickford by spending time with Southport.

What is Everton's goalkeeping pecking order?

There is no question who is at the top of the food chain. Jordan Pickford has been the Toffees; undisputed number one for a decade now.

That will hopefully not change for a while longer yet, with Mark Travers and Tom King providing back-up.

Pickford's namesake George, aged 19, is one of the up-and-comers, as is Lukjanciks.

While it may be frustrating for Travers and King to watch on for 99 per cent of the season, those younger players will have a better route to the senior side a few years for now.

All Lukjanciks can do is make the most of his opportunities when they arise, such as this loan spell with Southport.

If he can continue to impress, it may well be he is in the first-team picture a couple of years from now.