Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media after Antony Evans commented on his confirmed January move to Bundesliga side SC Paderborn.
Everton announced Evans’ departure on Wednesday with the 21-year-old leaving Goodison Park after 12 years in our academy set-up, with whom he helped to clinch the youth double last season under David Unsworth.
Evans had been a regular of Unsworth’s plans this season, too, with nine goals in 18 U23s appearances, but has been sold for an undisclosed fee having never been awarded any minutes in the first-team.
The former England U19 international has taken to Twitter since his move was confirmed to share his delight in sealing a deal with Paderborn, while thanking Everton for nurturing his talent since the age of nine.
Buzzing to sign for @SCPaderborn07 can’t wait to get started! Thanks to everyone at @Everton for everything they have done for me and food luck! pic.twitter.com/2aZwQjf9Wu
— Antony Evans (@AntonyEvans_8) January 29, 2020
Evans has been likened to Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus as like German international, the 21-year-old is capable of playing in attacking midfield, on the wing or as the out-and-out striker.
The Liverpool-born prospect struck eight of his 17 U23s goals from the right-flank during his time in our academy, along with four in attacking midfield, three from the left and two as the centre-forward.
He also recorded ten assists over his 70 U23s appearances, having been promoted to the youth grade at the end of the 2014/15 season at the age of 17.
Will Everton regret selling Evans?
Yes
No
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Evans’ post thanking Everton and wishing the Toffees good luck in the future…
All the best ant … will be keeping tabs on you buddi …..everyone off to Germany good luck 💯🍾
— @markbroadhead5 (@markbroadhead51) January 29, 2020
Best of luck, done brilliant for the U23’s last few years. Deserve your chance at a decent level 👍🏻
— Liam Dempsey (@StreetEnd056) January 29, 2020
Best of luck bud and gutted you’re not in the first team at @Everton – silly mistake letting you go after everything you’ve done for Unsy.
Never been able to understand how we can play Schneiderlin on a regular basis yet you and Baningime don’t get a game 🤷🏻♂️ #daft
— Peter Hesketh (@peterhesketh) January 29, 2020
Congratulations on signing going to miss you at the #under23’s always a pleasure to watch 💙💙💙💙💙💙
— Ann Mckenzie (@annmckenzie67) January 29, 2020
Good luck lad! You’ll do well in Germany with your technical ability, Cant wait to see you progress!
— EvertonViking (@EvertonViking) January 29, 2020
Good luck, you’ll do well there, Germany is great. Best reserve team player I’ve seen; Paderborn clearly done their homework, can’t believe you weren’t snapped up ages ago. Too much flair for an English team? See u in the prem some day!
— MTP62 (@missthepenny62) January 29, 2020
All best at the Paderborn. Go easy on Jonjo when you play against him!👍🏻
— UpperGwladysBlue (@UpperGwladysBlu) January 30, 2020
Good luck mate! Go smash it👏🏻💙
— The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed) January 29, 2020
In other Everton news, the club have made a late window approach to sign a sought after €20m midfielder after his proposed deal fell through.