From the 11th tier to Everton: Why Zach Lee transfer is one every football fan should love
Everton taking a chance on Zach Lee could turn out to be a wonderful story.
Premier League supporters were enthralled by Jamie Vardy's story a few years ago.
The striker took the top-flight by storm, helping Leicester City to the title, after years of playing non-league football.
They have added Lee to their Under-21 ranks this summer, and it could turn out to be one of the most heartwarming tales in the game.
That is if all goes to plan for the 19-year-old goalkeeper.
What was Zach Lee's path to Everton?
While he probably has little chance of overhauling England star Jordan Pickford between the sticks, he may be able to make the team for a cup game.
If he managed that, it would cap a remarkable rise to the top of the game, that Lee likely would not have seen coming.
Per the Talent Hunter, he left Wigan Athletic at the end of the 2024-25 campaign after just one season.
The goalkeeper spent time with relegated League Two outfit Barrow and Northern League Division One side Kendal Town and was sent to Milnthorpe Corinthians on loan towards the conclusion of the season.
He helped keep the West Lancs Football League Premier side in the 11th tier of English football.
Everton confirmed his signature on Friday, with a one-year contract after an initial trial.
That gives him the chance to emulate Vardy's story of non-league nobody to household name.
What are his chances to make senior Everton berth?
Lee likely has little chance of making the first team at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, given the fact that he has only been handed a one season deal.
He is probably just in there to make up the numbers for the youth side, and give some competition to George Pickford and Douglass Lukjanciks.
If he did manage to ever appear for the senior side, though, it would be a brilliant development.
To have any chance, he may have to impress and earn a new deal after the upcoming season has ended.
Whether he can manage that remains to be seen, but it will be something interesting to keep an eye on across the campaign.
All you need is one foot in the door sometimes, and Lee now has just that.