Everton Under-21s midfielder Jenson Metcalfe has signed a new four-year contract with the Club until the end of June 2026.

The 18-year-old has been with Everton Academy since the age of five and has developed through the age groups, making his Under-21s debut in April 2021.

Metcalfe’s progress was halted earlier this year when he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury, but the teenager is working his way back to full fitness and says his new contract shows the faith the Club has in his abilities.

“The Club means everything to me. It really is a dream to sign this contract and play here and is a reward for me and my family for all our hard work,” Metcalfe told evertontv.

“It’s very important for me to have that faith from the Club. I’ve not had the year I wanted to because of the injury but this has given me joy.

“Rehab is going well. I’ve made some progress over the past few months, been out on the grass and I’m happy to be out there with my boots back on.

“The support I’ve had from Everton has been the best I could have asked for. Having the physios each day to get me working towards being fit again, it’s been unbelievable.

“I just want to be back playing, get stronger and get back in the starting team for the Under-21s.”

An energetic and technically-proficient centre-midfielder who ranks Barcelona great Sergio Busquets as his football idol, Metcalfe broke into Everton’s Under-18s side midway through the 2020/21 campaign, working with Paul Tait who is now his head coach in the Under-21s.

“Paul is a great manager who helps me a lot,” added Metcalfe. “He’ll pull you to one side and let you know what you need to work on and then the next time you play, you can look to take that on board.

“As a midfielder, I like to play long-range passing and I love a tackle! I love a shot from outside the box, too.

“My long-term aim is to play for the First Team because then I would have played at every stage throughout the Club. Seeing that pathway for others and how they get a chance with the First Team, it inspires you. There is still a lot of work to be done, though, and I’m ready for that.”

Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “This long-term contract is testament to Jenson’s hard work and progression throughout our Academy.

“He has been dedicated throughout his rehabilitation from his knee injury and we are all looking forward to him getting back out on the pitch and continuing to develop his talent under Paul Tait and his coaching staff.”