Teenage starlet Charlie Whitaker has capped off a fine few days by agreeing a new deal with Everton.
The 19-year-old has been in impressive form for the Under-21s this season, scoring a brace at the weekend as his side demolished Manchester City 6-3. He now has four goals and four assists for Paul Tait's team this season and is eyeing up opportunities to train with the first team.
Pleased to put pen to paper on a three year contract, Whitaker cited the progress of academy graduates Tom Davies and Anthony Gordon as inspiration for his development, while director of football Kevin Thelwell today said: “Charlie has shown his undoubted talent throughout his journey in our academy and we are pleased he has committed his future to Everton.
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Whitaker joined Everton at the age of 12 and and has risen through the youth setup. He is yet to make his senior debut but was named in a matchday squad in October 2021 and Frank Lampard has had him involved in first-team training. Able to operate on both wings and up top, Whitaker has enjoyed a promising start to the new season and has now been rewarded with a deal that will keep him at Everton until 2025.
Upon signing his new contract, he spoke of his relationship with Tait, who managed him in the U18s and said: “I’m delighted with this new contract. It’s a proud moment for me and my family. They’ve been working hard behind the scenes to support me and now I can focus on the future. I’ve worked hard [for this extension] and I’m grateful for the club for showing faith in me... It’s been perfect working with Taity again. The manager’s tactics help me exactly how I want to play. You’re given the freedom to try things and play without fear. Him and Keith [Southern] believe in me which has been great. It’s been a massive learning curve for me training with the first team, too.
“The tempo is completely different. It’s faster and more intense. It’s been great experience that I’ve learnt a lot from so far. As a kid, Frank Lampard was someone I looked up to and to learn from him now has been terrific. When you see players like Tom Davies and Anthony Gordon, it shows the pathway is there. That’s why I want to stay at Everton. It’s something to work towards and a goal I’ve set for the future. For this season, my aim is to get as many minutes as I can with the Under-21s and try to progress in the EFL Cup.”
Thelwell, added: “Charlie has shown his undoubted talent throughout his journey in our Academy and we are pleased he has committed his future to Everton. He has been a key part of the Under-21s’ excellent start to the season under Paul Tait and, having had a taste within our First-Team setup, we hope that provides him with all the motivation he needs to become a regular in the future.”
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