Everton are likely to see another highly rated young prospect continue his development away from Finch Farm, with reports suggesting Academy midfielder Demi Akarakiri is set to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Serie A side Cagliari.
Demi Akarakiri has had a good season for Everton Academy, breaking into the U21s and showing he can be a versatile and trusted option across several youth and senior-affiliated cup competitions.
During the 2025-26 season just finished, the 17-year-old central midfielder split his development between Everton U18s (12 appearances) and U21s (10 appearances).
Operating primarily as a deep-lying progressor and central hub, Akarakiri's impact last season was measured through his passing maturity and tactical discipline rather than raw goal-scoring metrics.
Akarakiri's move to Serie A side Cagliari Calcio has accelerated quickly, with reports indicating that the player is traveling to Sardinia for his medical before officially putting pen to paper. The background on his abrupt departure from Finch Farm highlights a growing trend in modern youth recruitment.
After arriving at Everton from Arsenal’s academy in 2024, Akarakiri quickly became highly regarded on Merseyside. Everton opened discussions regarding a fresh professional contract earlier in 2026; however, negotiations dragged on without a resolution, allowing continental clubs to pounce as his deal wound down.
Everton were unable to tie the 18-year-old down to a new professional contract, which allowed Cagliari to swoop in and seal him on a free deal.
The deciding factor for the move appears to be the pathway offered by the Italian side. Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini openly hinted at the signing by stating that a teenager coming from the Premier League isn’t moving to Italy just to play youth football (Primavera). Cagliari is pitching an immediate spot in their senior matchday setups.
Under manager Fabio Pisacane, Cagliari is actively seeking to rebuild their midfield engine room, especially with Michael Folorunsho expected to return to Napoli. Cagliari's recruitment team views Akarakiri’s technical composure and athleticism as a perfect fit for the physical demands of Serie A.
While losing a bright academy prospect on a free transfer represents a maddening developmental setback for Everton, it gives Akarakiri a direct pathway into top-flight European football. No doubt the first-hand experience of watching what has happened to Tyler Dibling in what should have been a breakthrough season at the hands of the Finch Farm experts has left a lasting impression…
Read more: ToffeeWeb News Stories
Reader Comments (12)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
2 Posted 18/06/2026 at 11:40:54
Did he get on the bench for the first team?
Maybe the closest he ever came was taking the first kick-off in Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the U18s in their friendly against WIgan Athletic
3 Posted 18/06/2026 at 13:32:40
Shocking beyond all belief. Why come to Everton if you are going to spend all your time on the bench?
4 Posted 18/06/2026 at 13:35:17
And it just adds credibility to the feeling that Everton are not a career path club, barely a stepping stone these days.
Recent articles have touched on this topic; it's not just from the first team boss, it's at all levels now.
The club "policy" is looking self-destructive.
5 Posted 18/06/2026 at 13:39:47
6 Posted 18/06/2026 at 13:55:08
7 Posted 18/06/2026 at 13:59:40
8 Posted 18/06/2026 at 14:01:10
9 Posted 19/06/2026 at 10:55:03
Yes, we will get compensation but it will be buttons compared to what we would get if the lad had signed a professional contract and had played a few games in the Premier League.
I presume he was offered good terms to stay at Everton with a new contract but chose to move away, possibly considering there was little chance of breaking through at Everton particularly if Moyes was still manager — he is a road block to young kids at Everton.
10 Posted 19/06/2026 at 14:59:26
i believe that the problem is with the lack of use and belief that our present manager has with youth, and that will never change with him in charge,but that s just my opinion.
I no longer live in England so can only follow Everton ( who I have supported since 1956,) through the media and trips back, so prefer to read stories like this from regular match supporters who are interested in the youth set up at Everton, and if they notice the lack of use of young players, or is it they are not developed enough yet for the Premier League, not every young player is a Rooney.
11 Posted 19/06/2026 at 15:05:28
If you were an 18/19 year old kid, full of belief and confidence that you are ready to start in the Prem, why would you stay under a negative, fearful manager.
12 Posted 19/06/2026 at 15:20:47
Normally, the young players are given a professional contract to sign on the day they turn 17. According to the official Premier League registration data, his birthday is listed as 16 September 2008. If going by this date, he turned 17 on 16 September 2025.
I can find no indication that he signed a contract back in September. Indeed, the club said he was one of a few U18s offered a contract this month, confirming by implication that he had not signed any contract earlier.
A missed opportunity? Or a reluctant embryonic superstar?
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
How to get rid of these ads and support TW
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 18/06/2026 at 10:27:20
What’s going on?