Everton defender Reece Welch has signed a new four-year contract until the end of June 2026.
The 19-year-old centre-back has been rewarded for his impressive progress since joining the Club’s Academy at the age of seven, highlighted by a First-Team debut when he came off the bench in the FA Cup win over Boreham Wood at Goodison Park in March.
Welch then made his first senior start in August’s Carabao Cup victory at Fleetwood Town and has been a regular in Frank Lampard’s matchday squads and training sessions.
The England Under-20 international is now eager to keep developing as he set his sights on future success with the Club.
“It’s amazing to sign this new contract,” Welch told evertontv. “I’ve been at this club since I was seven years old and seen so many players come through the Academy into the First Team and I’ve always wanted to be one of those. Now I’ve been in and around there, it inspires me to take the next step.
“I want to kick on in the First Team, look to make a few more appearances and show what I’m about. I want to wear this blue shirt in the Premier League and, long-term, help Everton to success.
“Everton fans want hard work, dedication and passion for the Club and if I can give that, hopefully I’ll be able to do a good job for Everton.”
Born in Huddersfield, Welch revealed how senior centre-backs such as James Tarkowski and Conor Coady have given him support and set standards for what is required to be a Premier League defender.
The teenager also praised the impact of manager Lampard and First-Team Coach Ashley Cole in supporting his development.
“Frank Lampard has done it all,” added Welch. “To learn from someone like him and Ashley Cole is so helpful. They’ve won so many trophies, represented England and now they are here teaching me everything. All I can do is listen to them and put it into my work.
“With James Tarkowski and Conor Coady coming in, they’ve really helped me, too, and been mentors. I just try to take everything on board from them.”
Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “This four-year contract is reward for Reece’s hard work and progress at the Club.
“He is another example of the clear pathway that is there for players from our Academy into the First Team.
“Reece now has the opportunity to continue to learn from the talented defenders we have in the squad, and to keep pushing for more First-Team football, ahead of what we all hope is a long and successful career with Everton.”
