Everton have secured the signature of another young academy player on his first professional contract, with the winger Joel Catesby penning a 3-year deal until the end of June 2027.
The 17-year-old – who is a lifelong Evertonian – has been with the Blues since the age of four, and played for both the Under-18s and Under-21s last season.
“It’s a pleasure to sign this new deal,” Catesby told evertontv. “I’ve developed a lot as a player over the years. Being here for 13 years, I’ve matured a lot.
“Last season ended up being a positive season for me. I had an injury in the middle of the campaign but got over that and came back stronger and finished with the Under-21s.”
The Wirral-born winger made 14 league appearances for Everton Under-18s during 2023-24, scoring 5 goals and making 3 assists.
Catesby – who says scoring against Liverpool was his highlight of last season – enjoys working with Under-18s Head Coach Leighton Baines:
“It’s a pleasure to work with [Baines] every day,” he added. “Being an Evertonian, I’ve seen how good of a player he was, and you can get good experience from him.
“My targets for the upcoming season are to start strong with the Under-18s and then hopefully push on to the ‘21s. My ambition is to eventually play with the Senior Team and break through.”
On Catesby’s first professional contract, Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Joel’s been at the Club for a long time and he’s continued to make encouraging progress through the age groups.
“He’s an exciting player to watch and impressed last season as a first-year scholar. We’re looking forward to seeing him develop in the coming years with our Academy.”
Reader Comments (22)
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2 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:07:03
Still some rocky times ahead for you I guess, but just keep your head up and your confidence high.
Look forward to you displaying your talents in a first-team shirt in the future.
3 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:11:32
Good luck, chap.
4 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:37:34
5 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:58:15
On Academy matters, does anyone know what is happening with Stanley Mills after his bad injury?
6 Posted 01/08/2024 at 15:13:11
Nevertheless good luck Joel hope you make the grade with us.
7 Posted 01/08/2024 at 15:24:26
I wish you many memorable football moments and heroics in the coming years!
8 Posted 01/08/2024 at 16:11:12
Let's hope that you make giant strides quickly and make it into the first team, and we can then watch your Everton passion in action.
9 Posted 01/08/2024 at 17:47:31
Who'd have thought the fifties would be back with a bang?
10 Posted 01/08/2024 at 18:44:57
11 Posted 01/08/2024 at 19:09:56
12 Posted 01/08/2024 at 22:45:52
"Moves well when pursuing ice cream bar. Kicks brother with both feet. Coaches up well -- ties own shoes already. Eats well but stubborn at bedtime."
Anyway, best of luck, young man!
13 Posted 02/08/2024 at 12:44:23
14 Posted 02/08/2024 at 13:34:40
15 Posted 02/08/2024 at 13:36:45
16 Posted 02/08/2024 at 13:39:10
Lewis Warrington made it to the first team, for the last few minutes in the last home game of the season 2023-24.
17 Posted 02/08/2024 at 13:46:25
18 Posted 02/08/2024 at 16:08:03
Carries the ball well.
19 Posted 02/08/2024 at 19:59:46
20 Posted 02/08/2024 at 20:39:51
21 Posted 02/08/2024 at 20:43:08
22 Posted 02/08/2024 at 20:45:22
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1 Posted 01/08/2024 at 13:48:35