Olayiwola Signs First Professional Contract

Everton Academy midfielder Malik Olayiwola has signed his first professional contract with the Club, penning a deal until June 2028.

The teenager – who turned 17 last week – is enjoying his 12th year with the Toffees, joining as a first-year scholar in the summer of 2025.

Just two days after his 17th birthday, Olayiwola was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time at the weekend for Everton’s FA Cup third-round tie against Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Reacting to signing a first professional deal, he told evertonfc.com: “I’m very proud because I’ve worked a long time for this.

“This season’s been good because I’ve gone from the Under-18s to Under-21s and then on to the bench with the first team so quickly. It all happened so fast – I was just excited.”

Describing the experience of being with David Moyes’ squad on Saturday, Olayiwola said: “That was surreal. Being around so many people you watch on TV, warming up and being in the same environment as them was crazy.

“I take a lot of confidence knowing I was called up to be with them, so I’ve gone into this week – with my own age group – to perform.”

The highly-rated Olayiwola – capped with England youth teams at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 level – continues to impress with Everton's Academy teams at Finch Farm.

For the Blues' Under-18s, the central midfielder has recorded four goals and three assists across eight league outings.

Olayiwola made his Under-21s debut in December, coming off the bench to score in a 3-2 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League International Cup.

A regular with the Under-18s last season, his debut arrived in the 2023/24 term when he was just 15 years old.

Those experiences playing in the older age groups have helped his game, explained Olayiwola, who added: “I got used to the game speed which made me more comfortable on the ball, so I found it easier to express myself.”

Looking ahead, the teenager is targeting more opportunities to showcase his abilities.

He added: “I want to keep developing as a player, but also try to get some minutes with the first team, as well as keep putting in good performances for the Under-21s.”