Jake Doughty signs for Aston Villa as agency confirms Everton transfer

Jake Doughty has completed his long-awaited move to Aston Villa.

Everton have waved goodbye to one of their academy talents on Tuesday after weeks of speculation.

The young winger was one of the brightest talents at Finch Farm, but has been swiped away from Merseyside.

David Moyes has plenty of up-and-coming stars, and he'll likely need them this season after a poor summer window.

After leaving the transfer window with fewer than 20 senior outfield players, any injuries could be catastrophic.

One who won't be breaking through here, though, is Doughty.

What has agency said about Jake Doughty transfer?

Arriving as a scholar at Villa Park, this first emerged towards the end of August.

Representing England at under-16 level, he's playing above his age at club level with the under-18s.

Doughty is managed by SMI World, and they shared their congratulations on Instagram on 6 October.

Described as "well deserved", Doughty is pictured signing his contract at Villa Park ahead of his move.

Left-footed off the right, he has caught the eye as a rare talent.

What does this mean for Everton's academy?

This doesn't need to become a regular feat, losing some of your best players to fellow Premier League clubs.

Get it right, this isn't a Manchester United or Arsenal calling, it's Aston Villa.

That isn't meant to be disrespectful, as they have made strides in recent years, winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League.

But, that's what Everton has to aspire to, not just watching those around them get to that feat.

The likes of Braiden Graham are closest to breaking through, having been on the bench in the Premier League.

He will need to be given that chance soon, or you risk losing them to a club who can either offer that, or simply more money.

Everton are fighting hard to rectify years of damage on and off the pitch, and that's started with climbing the Premier League away from relegation danger.

That has to be passed through all levels, though, and it may start with an academy restructure, looking at this.