Elijah Campbell has committed his future to Everton after signing a new three-year deal with the club.
The defender has been with the Blues since the age of 13 and has recently cemented a regular place in the under-23s side, usually lining up as either a centre-back or a left-back after stepping up from the under-18s. The 17-year-old was previously captain at U18 level, but made 16 Premier League 2 appearances last year.
His impressive displays also earned the highly-rated teenager opportunities to train with the Everton first team over the course of last season. And, he's looking forward to grabbing an opportunity to kick on.
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He told evertonfc.com: “I’m really happy with this new contract and I want to take this chance to kick on with Everton. This club means a lot to me. It’s where I started my career, it feels like home, and during my time here I think I’ve really progressed.
"Last season was a positive one for me as I stepped up to the Under-21s and, towards the end of the campaign, was training with the first team and travelled with them on matchdays, too. “That helped me progress as a player.
"It was a real test coming up against so many talented forwards. They make you think faster and helps you improve both physically and mentally.
"Getting the chance to work alongside a manager like Frank Lampard was amazing. Everything he says to you, you take on board. Getting defensive tips from someone like Ashley Cole was so beneficial, too.
"It gave me a taste of being at that level and more determined than ever to become a regular there one day.
"The target this season is to keep performing for the Under-21s and to get more chances in the first team. I have a very good relationship with [Under-21s Head Coach] Paul Tait, having worked with him for two years with the Under-18s.
"I know what he wants from me, and he knows what I can give him and what I need to improve on so I’m looking forward to working with him again."
Campbell will be expected to be a regular feature at under-21 level next season after impressing over the course of the 2021/22 campaign in his role. And director of football Kevin Thelwell sang the praises of the youngster after he committed his next three years to the club.
“Elijah is a talented young player and we are delighted he has committed his future to Everton," he added.
“He is a composed and athletic defender who is comfortable in possession. We look forward to working with him to continue the encouraging progress he has already made through our Academy.”
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