Araz Abdullayev

Araz Abdullayev was plucked by David Moyes from the relative obscurity of Neftchi Baku in Azerbaijan when Everton signed a deal giving them first option to sign the then 17-year-old if he could secure a work permit over the following two years.

On 21 September 2010, it was announced that he would start on an initial three-year contract, with the option for two more seasons, when the transfer window opened in January 2011.

It was later announced in January 2011 that the Azerbaijan international forward had signed a long-term deal with the Blues, again subject to the granting of a work permit by the Department of Employment, although neither the terms nor the duration of the contract were revealed. He was allowed to play for the Neftchi until Azerbaijan Premier League's end.

He returned to Everton for their 2011-12 pre-season campaign and featured in Everton Reserves first friendly of the season against Freiburg in the Lev Yashin tournament. He played for Everton's Reserves against Freiburg before being loaned out to Panionios in Greece for the remainder of the 2011-12 season in late December.

Primarily a winger, Abdullayev is capable of playing on either side, but can also be utilized as a striker. According to his Wikipedia entry, "he loves to dribble with the ball and take long distance shots."

His association with Everton was never fully realised, though, and he remained with Neftchi from 2012 onwards, any ownership of him by the Toffees having presumably lapsed.