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Lewis Gibson

Having signed from Premier League rivals Newcastle United in July 2017, centre-back Gibson went on to enjoy a standout debut season for the Everton Under-23 side.

Quick, strong in the tackle and boasting an impressive physical presence, Gibson produced series of dominant performances at the heart of the young Blues’ backline.

The defender’s commanding displays were recognised as he was handed the captaincy of the Under-23s by boss David Unsworth for the final three games of the season, despite being only 17 years old at the time.

After injury frustrated Gibson's efforts in the first half of the 2018/19 season, he returned to the side in impressive fashion, playing a key role as the Under-23s secured a Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup double.

Gibson has enjoyed considerable success with England at age group level. He was a key figure for the England Under-17 side which reached the final of the 2017 European Championships in Croatia. He was also in the squad which went one better later that summer by triumphing in the Under-17 World Cup in India.

The centre-back was a regular in First-Team training during the 2019/20 campaign and, after penning a new two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2020, Gibson joined Fleetwood Town on loan for the rest of the season.

He swiftly cemented a starting spot for Town and helped them qualify for the League One play-offs, where Fleetwood were beaten by Wycombe Wanderers in the semi-finals.

Gibson played a part in Everton's pre-season preparations during summer 2020 before sealing another loan in September of that year, going out for 2020/21 to Reading where seven of the player's 13 appearances for the Championship club were from the start.

He featured in Everton's pre-season tour in Orlando, Florida in July 2021 and, the following month, joined League One club Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the 2021/22 campaign. Injury meant Gibson was restricted to just six appearances during the season, however.

The following season saw Gibson again move out on loan. This time, the young defender was at Bristol Rovers, where he made 31 appearances in League One. He also scored his first senior goal when he equalised during a 2–1 victory over former club Fleetwood Town in April 2023.