Matty Foulds has confirmed on Twitter that he will be leaving Everton this summer, ending a four-year association with the Toffees. The 22-year-old failed to make a first-team appearance since his move from Bury and will be released at the end of his contract as a result.
Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines have been first and second-choice at left-back, so Foulds hasn’t had the opportunity to play at senior level in an Everton shirt. The Englishman has represented the U23s for many years without ever stepping up, so a fresh start will allow him to resurrect his career.
Foulds joined Everton from Bury in 2016 and went on to make 69 appearances for the reserves, scoring three goals and making one assist. The closest he’s come to playing senior football for the Toffees was when he represented them on four occasions in the EFL trophy against Football League opposition.
The fact Foulds has failed to make the matchday squad in the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup highlights how far behind he was in terms of development. Baines has been a reliable servant over the last 13 years while Digne has been first-choice since 2018, so Foulds sadly won’t be missed.