Everton Under-21s midfielder Charlie Whitaker has agreed a new three-year deal with the Club until the end of June 2025.
The 19-year-old joined the Blues’ Academy at the age of 12 and has enjoyed significant progress in recent years, being named in a First-Team matchday squad in October 2021 and getting the chance to train with Frank Lampard’s squad.
Now a regular performer for Paul Tait’s Under-21s, Whitaker has already scored four goals and earned four assists to help the young Blues make an impressive start to the campaign.
Able to operate on both wings and up front, Whitaker is excited to continue his football journey with Everton as he aims to make his First-Team debut in the future.
“I’m delighted with this new contract,” he told evertontv. “It’s a proud moment for me and my family.
“They’ve been working hard behind the scenes to support me and now I can focus on the future.
“I’ve worked hard [for this extension] and I’m grateful for the Club for showing faith in me.”
Whitaker was reunited with his former Under-18s Head Coach Paul Tait in the Under-21s setup this season and credited his manager for the evolution of the attacking side of his game.
Having had the chance to take part in training sessions under Lampard, the teenager also expressed his desire to keep on catching the eye of the Blues boss to follow a proven pathway from Everton Academy to First Team.
“It’s been perfect working with Taity again,” added Whitaker. “The manager’s tactics help me exactly how I want to play. You’re given the freedom to try things and play without fear.
“Him and Keith [Southern] believe in me which has been great.”
“It’s been a massive learning curve for me training with the First Team, too.
“The tempo is completely different. It’s faster and more intense. It’s been great experience that I’ve learnt a lot from so far.
“As a kid, Frank Lampard was someone I looked up to and to learn from him now has been terrific.
“When you see players like Tom Davies and Anthony Gordon, it shows the pathway is there.
“That’s why I want to stay at Everton. It’s something to work towards and a goal I’ve set for the future.
“For this season, my aim is to get as many minutes as I can with the Under-21s and try to progress in the EFL Cup.”
Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, added: “Charlie has shown his undoubted talent throughout his journey in our Academy and we are pleased he has committed his future to Everton.
“He has been a key part of the Under-21s’ excellent start to the season under Paul Tait and, having had a taste within our First-Team setup, we hope that provides him with all the motivation he needs to become a regular in the future.”
