Manchester City have completed the signing of 17-year-old former Everton midfielder, Emilio Lawrence after he rejected his academy scholarship offer from the toffees.
At the start of the season, Everton released their list of Academy Scholars for the coming season, with the likes of Martin Sherif and Coby Ebere being among them, who have both been on fire so far this season for the under-18s, managed by Leighton Baines. Twins, Ishe and Odin Samuels-Smith, were also part of the group, both of whom have received England call-ups recently in their age groups.
WATCH: Meet Everton’s 2022/23 Academy Scholars (evertonfc.com)
However, a player that was expected to be one of the first names on the list was midfielder, Emilio Lawrence. Lawrence scored 7 goals and got 3 assists in 22 games in the u18 Premier League last season, being named in the u23 squad on multiple occasions.
The 17-year-old is eligible to play for Scotland or England at an international level, playing for both at youth international level.
Everton offered the midfielder a contract at the end of his deal, but he chose to reject it in order to pursue a move away from the club.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that all of the ‘Big 6’ Premier League clubs were trying to obtain his signature, but after lots of deliberating, he is now joining Premier League champions, Manchester City.
Manchester City have finally signed top talent Emilio Lawrence after long negotiations. It’s done — as deal has been signed, medical completed. 🔵🏴 #MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 26, 2022
Lawrence joins City from #EFC, he was also part of the U23 team last season. Big statement by City to sign more top talents. pic.twitter.com/62ZxH7Rcv6
Romano describes Lawrence as a ‘Top Talent’, and with Everton recently finding youth players to integrate into the first team hard to come by, this could be a huge loss for the toffees.
Everton have worryingly also lost a few other youth players with high potential recently. Hopefully, Kevin Thelwell’s restructuring of the academy system can help the club with this sort of problem.
Read these articles for more information on recent academy players to leave the blues:
Exciting Everton youngster terminates contract – Vital Everton (vitalfootball.co.uk)
Mohamed Ali Cho – The EFC star that got away – Vital Everton (vitalfootball.co.uk)