Everton set to announce signing of highly rated African gem

Everton are set to announce the signing of youngster Francis Gomez, according to Foday Manneh.

 

The Alkamba Times journalist reported on his X account [29 August] that Gomez will sign a contract with the Blues and initially join the U18 side.

Manneh describes Gomez as “one of the [most] highly-rated talents from mainland Gambia” and he is now set to continue his development under Leighton Baines.

 

Everton to sign African talent Francis Gomez

On the same day Kevin Thelwell is preparing to sanction several loan moves for the academy stars [Liverpool Echo], Everton have moved to add to the crop at Finch Farm.

 

The 15-year-old plies his trade at Sibanor United in Gambia and helped his side reach the West Coast Regional 3rd Division final, losing on penalties to Baalor Sarr [Ebrima KB Sonko, 6 July].

Gomez was rewarded with a call-up to the Gambian U20 preliminary side after impressing the scouts with his performances in the third tier.

Thelwell is building for the future at Everton and Gomez will be the latest talent at the disposal of Baines, with the side hoping he can follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Yankuba Minteh.

Everton supporters, for the time being, are more concerned with signings that will make an immediate impact in the first team after a horrendous start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala will undergo his medical ahead of a move to Goodison Park [Sky Sports] on Friday 30 August, but the Blues are still in need of reinforcements up top with Dominic Calvert-Lewin facing an uncertain future ahead of the deadline [Alan Myers].