Why Demi Akarakiri joined Cagliari despite Everton contract talks
Demi Akarakiri left Everton to join Cagliari earlier this summer.
The 18-year-old was one of Finch Farm's most promising prospects but he has chosen to test himself with the Serie A side.
The Blues had signed him from Arsenal's academy in 2024, but he departed just two years later.
Goodison News exclusively broke the news that Everton were in talks with Akarakiri over a new deal in March.
However, he did ultimately not agree to fresh terms with David Moyes' side to extend his stay.
His agent has now revealed how and why the move to the Italian side came about.
What was said about Demi Akarakiri leaving Everton?
It has been confirmed that Akarakiri was supposed to stay with the Blues after they offered him a deal.
Samuele Mura, who represents the player, has now revealed the motivations behind the move and why he rejected the Merseysiders.
Speaking to Tutto Cagliari on Thursday, he said: “It came about in a peculiar way, he was supposed to stay at Everton, who had offered him a professional contract, we had been negotiating for four or five months.
“We worked with Italian clubs and saw their interest, so we moved immediately to seize this opportunity, given the stalemate with the English club.
“Cagliari is great because there are different visions, Cagliari has a strong vision, and the context could be important for Demi.
“He wants to do more and try to join the first team, not to mention that the excellent work Cagliari has done recently with their young players influenced our decision.”
It suggests that the Blues did not offer what he wanted, in terms of the opportunities for playing time in the senior side.
It could also be about the finances on offer, but Mura's reveal seems to focus more on the game time aspect of the deal, as he would have struggle after the addition of Hayden Hackney.
Why Everton need to learn lessons from Akarakiri exit
The L3 outfit need to ensure that there is a sufficient pathway to the first-team in the future, so that their brightest talents are willing to stick around and wait for their chance.
If they can't do that, and Moyes is not willing to put his faith in youth, then they risk losing more academy starlets.
The likes of Braiden Graham, Douglass Lukjanciks, and recent signing Kai Hutchison may chose to follow Akarakiri's decision to leave.
The Friedkin Group have made their plans clear for the youth system on Merseyside, now they have to make sure that the manager is aligned with their approach.
If that is not the case, then there is no point is overhauling the academy, as he will not use the players that it produces, leading to a similar situation.
The Toffees can't afford to let their best gems walk away and become stars elsewhere, that is not the right approach and could harm them in the future.