Johan Hammar

Born in Malmö, Sweden, and groeing up to play for his home-town team. Johann Hammar first attracted the public attention of Everton as a 15-year-old defender, and went on to spend time on trial with Everton during the summer of 2009. At the time, his agent, Martin Klette said "Everton were watching him during the elite camp in Halmstad in early July. He will play in a tournament and gain an insight and experience from a larger club's youth activities."

Hammer impressed Everton's youth coaches and they brokered a deal with the Swedish outfit. The clubs agreed a verbal fee, apparently as part of a pre-contract arrangement at the start of 2010, which was thought to be lower than the obligatory educational fee due to Hammar not having a contract at Malmo.

"They have agreed terms and a solution which will see Everton pay a guaranteed sum that is lower than the standard," the player's agent Martin Klette told Fotbollskanalen in January 2010.

"But in return Malmo will get a chance to get more money if Johan makes it into the first team or is sold on."

Hammar remained in Sweden and did not move across the North Sea to his new home at the Everton Academy until July 2010, as a 16-year-old.  Subsequently he has been a regular starter for the Under-18s and got to play in Everton's short-lived 2011 FA Youth Cup campaign.

Hammar signed a professional contract with Everton a few day later after turning 17 and becoming eligible. Hammar is looking forward to finally getting his Toffees career underway.

"It feels really fun," Hammar told Wagnsson Sports & Entertainment.

"When I moved to England last summer, I knew it would happen, but it was not signed until now.

"I am truly happy to play for a Premier League club."

Hammar was a regular with the Under-18s in ghis first season, but suffered a leg injury whhile on tour during the Summer of 2011 an that would keep him sidelined until late in the 2011-12 season, but he did play a part in Everton's Dallas Cup campaign.

But he never really progressed from there, not coming close to playing for the senior squad in Moyes's final season, when he spurned andy youth development of note. Johan Hammar was released in June 2013 at the end of his senoir contract, and he returned to Sweden and FF Malmo.

By Michael Kenrick
Last updated June 2013