Baningime rewarded with first pro deal

Thursday, 13 October, 2016 5comments | Jump to most recent

Everton Under-23 midfielder Beni Baningime has signed his a professional contract with Everton, it has been announced.

The 18-year-old who has been with the Blues since he moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo as an eight-year-old, has signed on with a deal that ties him to the club for the next two seasons.

It is an acknowledgement of his impressively rapid progress over the past year which has seen him step up from the U18s, whom he helped win the Dallas Cup earlier this year, to become a regular in David Unsworth's U23 side.

“I'm made up that I've got the contract,” Baningime told evertonfc.com. “I'd like to thank everyone; my family and the Academy coaches for all having faith in me.

“I'm happy with the way I have progressed. At the end of last season, I found my form and was playing well. It's carried on into this season and hopefully it continues even longer.

“I had no idea the contract was coming. I was surprised that I went away with the Under-23s in pre-season because I thought I would be with the Under-18s for most of this year. David Unsworth had faith in me and I'm delighted that it has paid off.”

Reader Comments (5)

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Karl Masters
1 Posted 13/10/2016 at 21:50:49

Anybody seen him play? What's his best attribute?

Dermot O'Brien
2 Posted 13/10/2016 at 21:59:41

Hopefully he'll "Be Bangin' 'em in" soon for us...

I'll get me coat...

John Dean
3 Posted 13/10/2016 at 22:23:17

I watched him via TV in the Dallas Cup when he captained the U18 side and I thought he was our most effective player, constantly breaking up play and winning the ball, although Brewster stole all the headlines with his terrific goals.

He's moved up this year to U23s and held his own very well in the Bolton Checkatrade Trophy game against seasoned pros. He shows a bit more prominently going forward this term.

Dave Abrahams
4 Posted 14/10/2016 at 09:21:18

He's a very determined lad who wants to succeed and I hope does. He went off injured in an FA Youth Cup game last season and he was begging to stay on even though it was obvious he wouldn't have been able to.

A good player and tackler who works his socks off the whole time he is on the pitch, also a very neat and tidy player with the ball.

He has worked hard to get where he is and this contract will make him all the more determined to get on in the game. Good luck, Beni, hope you have a great future with the Blues.

Alan J Thompson
5 Posted 14/10/2016 at 10:32:25

What sort of terms are they on before signing a professional contract?

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