If reports are to be believed then Everton are on course to land Newcastle United’s star prospect Lewis Gibson in the next few days, as the Toffees continue their ambitious spending spree this summer. The 16-year-old centre-half is one of the future prospects of the country and has numerous Premier League sides in his pursuit.
This would definitely be a huge achievement for Everton’s head of recruitment, Steve Walsh. Despite the Toffees getting in some of the most exciting talents from across Europe this summer for their first team, Ronald Koeman has never really overlooked the emerging youngsters from the Everton Academy.
Everton’s latest sensation Tom Davies was handed his first Premier League game when he was only 17. Now, the 18-year-old is an already established member of the squad making over 20 appearances last season and could even get the nod ahead of the likes of Ross Barkley and Davy Klaassen next season.
Other similar examples would be Mason Holgate, who was given the chance to prove himself in their defence when Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman encountered season-ending injuries in a span of one week. Same could be said about Ademola Lookman, the Charlton youngster who joined the Toffees in the winter.
Hence, Gibson’s decision to leave the Magpies is quite understandable by all means. The Toon army has their primary focus on re-establishing their foundation in the top-flight English football while Everton are perfectly poised for to get in the huge arrivals. Everton’s aggressive recruitment drive this transfer season had ‘getting youngsters between 16-18’ as their primary objective with Gibson being the focal point of their grand plan.
Only 16, Gibson has earned some phenomenal reviews from England’s football system. He turns 17 in the next four days and would be ready for a major step up in his career. Everton would never get a better chance to tie down such a talent with a long-term contract. Gibson is currently in Croatia where he has been in England’s Under 17s European Championship Finals.
Gibson played a crucial role in England’s qualifying match against Bosnia & Herzegovina back in March as his debut goal for the nation proved to be a winner in that game. England’s majestic 8-1 drubbing of Germany also had him in the thick of it. Premier League giants like Arsenal and Manchester United have previously been reportedly keen on the youngster but nothing materialised, Newcastle still have a real chance of convincing him to stay at the club.
