Who is Melvin Matos? The latest Everton youngster to sign first professional contract
Melvin Matos has signed his first professional contract with Everton.
The 18-year-old has been with the Blues since 2024, when he signed from Norwich.
The Toffees have made several changes to their academy structure this summer, and it is clearly working as several players have signed new terms.
Rocco Lambert and Shea Pita recently agreed to stay put at Finch Farm, showing faith in the process, but they had lost the likes of Demi Akarakiri, Kingsford Boakye, and Coby Ebere.
It seems as though it is paying off, as the Hill Dickinson Stadium side announced his extension on Friday.
Goodison News looks at everything supporters need to know about Matos after the confirmation.
How long is Melvin Matos' first professional deal with Everton?
David Moyes' side revealed that he has signed terms to stay until June 2028.
That means the deal is valid for two years, and in that time, the Blues will get the chance to evaluate his potential, and whether he can reach the senior side.
They will decide at the end of that contract, whether he has done enough to earn a new one.
The latest step is a sign that they believe in him, and the player believes in what is happening in L3.
He will hope to eventually follow the pathway that Harrison Armstrong has established in recent months.
Who is Finch Farm prospect Matos?
Matos is a midfielder, and he has listed Premier League legends N’Golo Kante and Claude Makelele as his inspirations.
He describes himself as a tenacious and energetic player, who likes to break up play.
The Englishman has featured 43 times for the Under-18's since linking up with the Merseyside club.
He notched his first goal in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn in April 2025, and has captained that age group on five occasions.
He made his debut for the Under-21s in the 5-0 defeat to Brighton in March, featuring for a total of 30 minutes.
He is yet to feature again at that level, but more opportunities could come in the 2026-27 season.
What did Matos say about his first Everton deal?
Matos spoke out in the release on the club's official website.
He revealed that it is was a dream to sign a professional deal with the Toffees and he hopes to kick on.
He said: "It means a lot. It’s a step in the right direction to keep on pushing and it's a good moment – a dream come true. I'm really happy with it.
"I developed a lot last season. We did very well in the league and we did well in the Youth Cup. I feel it was an achievement to become captain a few times.
"I’ve developed quite a bit from when I first came here to then become captain, so that was a really proud moment for me."
Hopefully, he can push on like he said and become a star in the first-team one day.