Marcel Brands and Marco Silva have continued to place their faith in young players with potential, after the club announced Nico Hansen has signed his first professional contract with Everton.
The 17-year-old American first joined the Toffees in 2017 when he moved to England from his native country, and has impressed club chiefs with his form as part of our youth ranks and on the international stage with USA’s.
Having put pen to paper on his new deal, Hansen has told the club’s website that he is committed to developing his game over the next few years, and is proud to be with Everton.
“Signing this deal is a proud moment for me and my family,” he said. “It’s everything I’ve been working towards these past two years.
“Since I first arrived here, it’s been fantastic. It’s been like a family. It’s a great environment to be in and everyone is so supportive. Now I just want to repay the support the club has shown in me by becoming the best goalkeeper I can be.”
Hansen is now contractually tied to the Blues until the summer of 2021, which could take his spell on Merseyside into a fourth year, and provides David Unsworth with another option to consider should Silva feel former Arsenal youth star Joao Virginia is ready for a greater role with the first-team.
The Portuguese ace had been tipped for first-team duties next term acting as Jordan Pickford’s understudy with Maarten Stekelenburg expected to leave Goodison Park this summer, however Jonas Lossl has since joined following his release by Huddersfield Town which could restrict Virginia’s chances.