Talented Goalkeeper Signs First Everton Pro Contract

Everton Academy goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks has signed his first professional contract with the Club, penning a three-year deal until the end of June 2027.

The highly-rated England Under-18 international, who turned 17 earlier this month, has been rewarded for his impressive progress through the Club’s age groups, having become a first-year scholar at the start of this season.

Lukjanciks, who is from Southport and was born in Latvia, first joined Everton Academy at the age of 12 and has been a regular for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s this term.

“I feel privileged and honoured to be given this contact,” Lukjanciks told evertonfc.com. “I joined Everton as an Under-12 from a grassroots team and the Club has given me lots of opportunities to show what I can do, to learn and improve. It means a lot to me.

“I just want to keep improving, with my ultimate aim to one day become number one for Everton and England.”

Lukjanciks, who was recently in the England Under-18s squad that included fellow Toffee Harrison Armstrong, is part of a strong core of goalkeepers in the older age groups at Everton Academy that includes Under-21s Zan-Luk Leban, George Pickford and Fraser Barnsley, along with his Under-18s teammate Goodness Gospel-Eze.

“It’s a great opportunity to work with lads like Zan, Fraser and George who go away with their countries at age-group level and are really talented goalkeepers,” added Lukjanciks.

“You're around them every day and you learn, you pick up loads, little bits and that's the best way to develop your game.

“I feel like I've performed solidly this season and made a few saves which has helped the lads get some points. I think there's always room for improvement with everyone, though.”

Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Douglass is a talented young goalkeeper with a lot of potential and we are very pleased he has extended his stay here with us at Everton.

“His attributes have been recognised by England at Under-18 level and, with the excellent coaches we have within our Academy, along with the other fine keepers to learn from, we are confident Douglass will keep progressing at the Club.”