One of the Everton Academy’s brighter prospects, Charlie Whitaker has completed a permanent move to Notts County in League Two.
The 21-year-old arrived at Everton from fellow northwest side Blackburn Rovers when he was just 12 years old. In recent years, he has featured on a regular basis for the Toffees in their Under-18 and Under-21 sides and has scored freely as well.
But his progress up through the age levels has been hampered by some significant injuries and the inevitable long periods of recuperation and recovery required. This too has made it challenging for him to secure any lower-league loan spells away from the club that are considered so essential to the development of young players.
Consequently, Whitaker has been unable to make the massive step up to the Premier League side and it is being reported that Notts County have secured his signature for an undisclosed fee, but he’s only been given a 6-month contract.
County’s director Richard Montague told the club’s website:
“Charlie is [a] young, high-potential player who we’ve been monitoring for some time. While we think he’s best suited to central attacking areas, he’s versatile and comfortable playing out wide.
He added: “Charlie has demonstrated a genuine goal threat throughout his youth career and has the technical ability, pace and tenacity to be a real handful.”