Halid Djankpata becomes the seventh youngster in the current crop to sign his first professional contract in recent days as Everton continue to sign up promising talent from within the ranks of the Academy on full contracts.
The 18-year-old joined Everton’s Academy at the age of 14 and has developed into a versatile attacking midfielder who boasts good physical attributes and is strong in possession. He is committed to Everton for the next 2 years.
Last season, he made eight league appearances for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s while also captaining the team on several occasions before stepping up to Paul Tait’s Under-21s squad where he went on to make 11 Premier League 2 appearances.
“Last season was a positive one because it’s very good to captain your team and we won games,” he explained.
“Working with Leighton Baines is very enjoyable and easy because he can relate to you a lot as he just finished his career not too long ago. Paul Tait is an amazing coach, as well. He tells you a lot. You can take it all in because of the way he speaks to you.”