22/08/2026
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Everton are facing yet another frustrating academy blow, with Premier League rivals Aston Villa closing in on a deal to sign 16-year-old winger Jake Doughty.
According to reports from The Athletic, negotiations between the two clubs are into their final stages as Villa work to wrap up an agreement for the highly-rated England youth international.
Doughty, who only turned 16 in February, enjoyed an eye-catching campaign in Leighton Baines’s U18 side throughout the 2025-26 season. Despite his youth, the wide man featured 18 times across all competitions — scoring 7 goals in the U18 Premier League and making appearances in the FA Youth Cup.
Because Doughty has not yet signed a professional contract with Everton, they are unable to command a standard transfer fee. Instead, the transfer will be settled via a youth development compensation structure, allowing Villa to secure one of Finch Farm’s top prospects for a fraction of his potential future value.
The move highlights an ongoing and painful vulnerability for Everton's youth setup. While the Blues continue to offer elite coaching, well-funded academy powerhouses like Villa — flush with European football ambitions and massive infrastructure investment — remain capable of turning the heads of the country's bright young talents before they ever step foot onto the pitch for the first team.
While the final details of the deal are still being ironed out, Villa remain firmly in the driving seat to complete the signing shortly, leaving Everton to reflect on the loss of another promising home-grown talent.
Reader Comments (26)
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Mike Corcoran
2 Posted 23/08/2026 at 01:15:13
2 Posted 23/08/2026 at 01:15:13
That’s a weird thing to say about a child Paul Kossoff. There will be many considerations for agents, the clubs, his parents and current and prospective coach, etc. Might this sort of off hand comment cause kids like these mental health problems.
Don Alexander
3 Posted 23/08/2026 at 03:03:31
3 Posted 23/08/2026 at 03:03:31
Anyone between 16 and early 20's is by definition naive in making decisions.
This boy will now have all sorts of alleged know-alls advising him to their, and not necessarily his, advantage. but then one or two of those various voices might just be to his advantage as an imminent pro-footballer.
Who knows? 'Tis the throw-away nature of professional football to hundreds of might-have-beens each week/month/season.
This boy will now have all sorts of alleged know-alls advising him to their, and not necessarily his, advantage. but then one or two of those various voices might just be to his advantage as an imminent pro-footballer.
Who knows? 'Tis the throw-away nature of professional football to hundreds of might-have-beens each week/month/season.
Paul Kossoff
4 Posted 23/08/2026 at 03:04:01
4 Posted 23/08/2026 at 03:04:01
Mental health problems seriously? He's an ungrateful little twat and I hope he reads this on his way to villa.
Mike Gaynes
5 Posted 23/08/2026 at 03:14:17
5 Posted 23/08/2026 at 03:14:17
"Ungrateful little twat"???
I can't wait to hear what the yahoo at #4 thinks this kid owes Everton.
He joined Everton a year ago. One year. (Per Transfermarkt.)
Has every right to change clubs.
And zero obligations to Everton.
And the aforementioned yahoo hopes this boy reads his online abuse.
Did somebody mention mental health?
I can't wait to hear what the yahoo at #4 thinks this kid owes Everton.
He joined Everton a year ago. One year. (Per Transfermarkt.)
Has every right to change clubs.
And zero obligations to Everton.
And the aforementioned yahoo hopes this boy reads his online abuse.
Did somebody mention mental health?
Alan J Thompson
6 Posted 23/08/2026 at 06:28:30
6 Posted 23/08/2026 at 06:28:30
Where is the lad from, a local or the Midlands? And where was he before if he's only been at Everton for a year?
There's more than football reasons for wanting to move.
There's more than football reasons for wanting to move.
Dave Abrahams
7 Posted 23/08/2026 at 08:21:32
7 Posted 23/08/2026 at 08:21:32
I can only repeat what I put on another thread...
These young lads are being watched in every game they play by other clubs. Once they show the potential talent they have, then they are offered deals, often through ways that are kept quiet. Everton more than likely offer them good deals but maybe not enough to sway them to stay.
A bird in the hand is worth more than two in a bush and the agent and his parents will take what they think is best for the boy's interest and his future. It doesn't always work out that way.
When Tony was young, two scouts from different clubs told me they knew we were Everton fanatics and was there any point in them recommending Tony to their clubs? I assured them there was.
Tony finished up at Nottm Forest and the Man Utd scout thanked me for keeping my word and apologised for Man Utd not offering him a chance with them, even though he had been training with them in most school holidays.
By the way, I heard that Nottm Forest had offered some parents inducements for their lads to join them — I wasn't one of them but Tony had a good football education in the 4 years he was with them but TB put an end to his professional career.
These young lads are being watched in every game they play by other clubs. Once they show the potential talent they have, then they are offered deals, often through ways that are kept quiet. Everton more than likely offer them good deals but maybe not enough to sway them to stay.
A bird in the hand is worth more than two in a bush and the agent and his parents will take what they think is best for the boy's interest and his future. It doesn't always work out that way.
When Tony was young, two scouts from different clubs told me they knew we were Everton fanatics and was there any point in them recommending Tony to their clubs? I assured them there was.
Tony finished up at Nottm Forest and the Man Utd scout thanked me for keeping my word and apologised for Man Utd not offering him a chance with them, even though he had been training with them in most school holidays.
By the way, I heard that Nottm Forest had offered some parents inducements for their lads to join them — I wasn't one of them but Tony had a good football education in the 4 years he was with them but TB put an end to his professional career.
George Cumiskey
8 Posted 23/08/2026 at 08:40:22
8 Posted 23/08/2026 at 08:40:22
Can anyone blame him, if your son was in the same position with Moyes as manager who hasn't got a history of giving youth a chance ?
Tony Abrahams
9 Posted 23/08/2026 at 08:55:58
9 Posted 23/08/2026 at 08:55:58
TB, never helped me Dave, but I think my ship had already sailed and I had already decided I much preferred playing football, for the love of the game and the comradeship, rather than the money, by then.
My own view is that this is going to keep happening until the league put in place a minimum compensation package. I know some this might not help some lower league clubs, who often sell young players, but then again it might because they have at times, probably been getting ripped off for years - losing bright young talents for paltry compensation.
If they made the compensation package a lot higher financially, then it might stop a lot of these clubs just going and taking young players off each other, and if the lower league clubs are prepared to sell these young players for a lower fee, at least they would be protected in many cases, by this minimum fee, if they want to keep hold of what they consider to be, young assets.
My own view is that this is going to keep happening until the league put in place a minimum compensation package. I know some this might not help some lower league clubs, who often sell young players, but then again it might because they have at times, probably been getting ripped off for years - losing bright young talents for paltry compensation.
If they made the compensation package a lot higher financially, then it might stop a lot of these clubs just going and taking young players off each other, and if the lower league clubs are prepared to sell these young players for a lower fee, at least they would be protected in many cases, by this minimum fee, if they want to keep hold of what they consider to be, young assets.
Andy Meighan
10 Posted 23/08/2026 at 09:23:19
10 Posted 23/08/2026 at 09:23:19
George 8.
Is that the same Moyes who played Armstrong George Hackney Branthwaite and Rohl in the same starting line up yesterday.
But hey don't let facts get in the way of a good story hey.
Is that the same Moyes who played Armstrong George Hackney Branthwaite and Rohl in the same starting line up yesterday.
But hey don't let facts get in the way of a good story hey.
Michael Kenrick
11 Posted 23/08/2026 at 09:32:43
11 Posted 23/08/2026 at 09:32:43
Dave and Tony, great posts.
Whenever you guys talk about this subject, I always think there's much more you could divulge on what goes into making a top professional footballer from the youngest age, and all the things that could or did go right and wrong.
We've had some brilliant anecdotes from Tony on his first-hand involvement with Brian Clough, and the insights you provide, Dave, on being a parent of a promising yoof are just brilliant reading.
You've got such a tremendous memory for all this stuff, Dave, it would be great if you just sat down once a week and bashed out a stream of memories for us to enjoy. Do it through the ToffeeWeb Articles & Messages page and we can publish it as a series... I'll have a word with Harry — may even be able to fund a new iPad for you!!!
Whenever you guys talk about this subject, I always think there's much more you could divulge on what goes into making a top professional footballer from the youngest age, and all the things that could or did go right and wrong.
We've had some brilliant anecdotes from Tony on his first-hand involvement with Brian Clough, and the insights you provide, Dave, on being a parent of a promising yoof are just brilliant reading.
You've got such a tremendous memory for all this stuff, Dave, it would be great if you just sat down once a week and bashed out a stream of memories for us to enjoy. Do it through the ToffeeWeb Articles & Messages page and we can publish it as a series... I'll have a word with Harry — may even be able to fund a new iPad for you!!!
Brent Stephens
12 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:08:38
12 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:08:38
Yes, come on Dave A. Follow up on Michael's offer (you might not get a new iPad that he refers to but I'll replace yer goose quill and, obviously, a pot of Stephens ink).
Ian Bennett
13 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:36:31
13 Posted 23/08/2026 at 10:36:31
Ex-Everton player Matt Jackson talking about the demands youth players are making. Never made a first team appearence, but the chase for talent keeps upping the ante.
Source: Facebook Link
Source: Facebook Link
Rob Hooton
14 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:02:47
14 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:02:47
Michael trying to get the rights to Dave’s biography on the cheap?! I think that he could write a bloody good book, and earn more than an iPad…
As for this young lad, it’s always a shame to lose potential but that’s all he is at the mo and others have mentioned that he’s only been here a year, so Everton may have just been a convenient stepping stone for him. No guarantees he will make it, good luck to him in forging a career in the game. Villa are in a better place than us currently, so it’s understandable really.
As for this young lad, it’s always a shame to lose potential but that’s all he is at the mo and others have mentioned that he’s only been here a year, so Everton may have just been a convenient stepping stone for him. No guarantees he will make it, good luck to him in forging a career in the game. Villa are in a better place than us currently, so it’s understandable really.
Ian Jones
15 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:13:24
15 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:13:24
A quick Google suggests Jake was at a school in Warrington and was part of Liverpool's academy before moving to Everton.
Paul Hewitt
16 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:30:39
16 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:30:39
Paul@1. Have you never changed jobs then?
John Collins
17 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:35:13
17 Posted 23/08/2026 at 11:35:13
He has PH
Recently resigned from his position as a Samaritans counselor
Recently resigned from his position as a Samaritans counselor
John Chambers
18 Posted 23/08/2026 at 17:07:23
18 Posted 23/08/2026 at 17:07:23
Have I missed something? “Academy Powerhouse”???
Who has come through their academy lately, Tim Iroegbunam?
Who has come through their academy lately, Tim Iroegbunam?
Dave Abrahams
19 Posted 23/08/2026 at 17:31:38
19 Posted 23/08/2026 at 17:31:38
Brent (12),
Actually, my quill is from a peregrine falcon!
Actually, my quill is from a peregrine falcon!
George Freeman
20 Posted 23/08/2026 at 17:49:32
20 Posted 23/08/2026 at 17:49:32
Does that make you a very fast writer then, Dave?
Brendan McLaughlin
21 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:02:33
21 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:02:33
I think TW should invite Dave & Tony to appear on the new podcast feature.
Or we could use a different social media platform and call it "Abrahams Linkedin"
Or we could use a different social media platform and call it "Abrahams Linkedin"
Dave Abrahams
22 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:31:04
22 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:31:04
George (20)
Yes, it does, and it's just about legible!
Yes, it does, and it's just about legible!
George Freeman
23 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:39:14
23 Posted 23/08/2026 at 18:39:14
Dave, you should just go ahead and write what I'm sure will be interesting articles. Michael will sort out any legibility issues.
Mike Gaynes
24 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:52:03
24 Posted 23/08/2026 at 00:52:03
I love Brendan's idea (the pun notwithstanding) for the Abrahams per et fils to do a podcast. Just tell stories, guys.
That way legibility wouldn't be an issue, although we Yanks would require occasional subtitles on Dave's comments!
That way legibility wouldn't be an issue, although we Yanks would require occasional subtitles on Dave's comments!
Dave Abrahams
25 Posted 25/08/2026 at 13:33:06
25 Posted 25/08/2026 at 13:33:06
This just a one-off article because I beg to differ with Tony (@9) who said he thought his ship had sailed. Although he had always relished playing football, I think he was more disheartened by Forest releasing him after trying to sell him as a full-back to Motherwell. Then he went to Blackpool, who were in a relegation battle, and the manager wouldn't chance a young midfielder who had played some very good games for their reserves.
I'll leave it there because I started quoting different professional managers and players who thought that Tony could make a good living out of football before he contracted TB but then it looked like I was boasting about his ability and at the end of the day, it's all ifs and buts and what might have beens.
The one thing I always refer back to him is that he got all his FA coaching badges and, not long after gaining them, the rules changed and you needed Uefa coaching badges as well...
Tony had had enough of football by then so he let it slide... but still had a lot of fun playing for Sanford on Sundays instead.
I'll leave it there because I started quoting different professional managers and players who thought that Tony could make a good living out of football before he contracted TB but then it looked like I was boasting about his ability and at the end of the day, it's all ifs and buts and what might have beens.
The one thing I always refer back to him is that he got all his FA coaching badges and, not long after gaining them, the rules changed and you needed Uefa coaching badges as well...
Tony had had enough of football by then so he let it slide... but still had a lot of fun playing for Sanford on Sundays instead.
Dave Abrahams
26 Posted 25/08/2026 at 13:38:40
26 Posted 25/08/2026 at 13:38:40
Dave (25),
That last paragraph should have read “Playing for The Sandon on Sundays".
That last paragraph should have read “Playing for The Sandon on Sundays".
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1 Posted 22/08/2026 at 23:59:39
Look forward to never hearing about him again.