What Everton fans need to know as Arthur Barratt signs first professional terms
Arthur Barratt has signed his first professional terms with Everton.
The 17-year-old joined the Blues from Chelsea's academy in August, after 10 years in Cobham.
The Merseysiders paid a fee to bring Barratt to Finch Farm, but the amount has now been revealed.
He initially joined on a scholarship, but has now committed his long-term future to the L3 outfit.
The Toffees announced the new deal on Wednesday, with the youngster set to stick around for the foreseeable future.
Goodison News reveals everything that supporters need to know about the potential first-team prospect.
How long is Arthur Barratt's contract at Everton?
Barratt has signed a three-year deal, which is in line with FIFA regulations for Under-18 players.
That will take his stint on Merseyside to 2029, then the Blues will have to assess his development.
If they feel like he has kicked on and looks closer to the senior side, he will be offered new terms.
If that is the not the case then he will move on at the end of the deal.
What kind of player is Barratt?
Barratt signed with CMG Sports agency group in 2025 and they described him as a "creative and elegant playmaker."
He has notched two assists in his first two matches for Matt Taylor's Under-18 side.
That suggests that the description from his agency was spot on, and that Blues supporters can be excited by what is to come from the former Stamford Bridge gem.
An early comparison seems to be Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, who also came from the London side and has made a brilliant impact with the Toffees.
What are the next steps for Everton gem Barratt?
The next steps will be for Barratt to firmly establish himself as a regular starter in the Under-18s.
Only then can he be considered for a call-up to the Under-21s to continue his development.
If he makes a clean step-up to that level, David Moyes and the recruitment staff may chose to send him on loan to a Football League club.
The alternative is that the Scotsman throws him straight into the first-team fold, but that seems unlikely as it is not something that he usually does.
What has Barratt said about his new contract?
Barratt confirmed that he is very happy with signing his first professional deal.
He also gave an insight into how he has settled into life at Everton, and it seems to be going well.
Speaking to the official club website, he said: "It’s a very, very special moment.
"I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time and yeah, I'm very, very happy.
"My summer was good, doing a lot of training just trying to stay fit and be ready for when I came into the group. I've settled in very well – it's a nice group, a lot of good lads and I’ve already made some good friends.
"This Club is going in the right direction. It’s just such a massive club, and it's hard to say no to!"
If he can continue to get his head down and focus on his football, he has every chance to make it.