Everton U21 goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban has signed a new contract with the Blues, keeping him at the club until June 2025.
The Slovenia youth international put pen to paper having established himself as a key figure in Paul Tait’s U21 side, following his graduation from the U18’s.
The 20-year-old joined the Toffees in 2019 from Polish side FCB Escola Varasovia and has made 15 Premier League 2 appearences so far this season and was a standout performer throughout his side’s run to the last 16 of the Papa John’s Trophy.
Upon signing his new deal, the young keeper said, “It feels great to sign this new deal after all the hard work in recent seasons. It feels like a reward and motivation moving forward.
“Playing Under-21s football week in and week out has helped me massively.
It has given me great experience, and the staff have been brilliant to work with.”
However, the ambitious youngster is very grounded, and being awarded a new contract at the club is unlikely to affect his work ethic and commitment, as he remains focused on his short and long-term goals.
“Nothing will change from my perspective,” he continued.
“I am going to keep working hard and progressing. The season is not over. I want us to win as many games as possible from here.
“Hopefully I can eventually put myself in the First Team picture. That’s the plan and always has been.”
Competing for the number 1 jersey in the U21’s, Leban has been a standout player throughout the season and has clear determination to progress through the ranks, with this goal set firmly on a place in Sean Dyche’s set up.
A prodigious young talent, Leban is definitely one to watch for the future and we could be seeing his name within the senior squad before too long.