Everton Under-21s goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban has signed a new contract, keeping him at the Club until the end of June 2025.   

The 20-year-old moved to Merseyside in 2019 from Polish side FCB Escola Varsovia and has grown into a vital member of Paul Tait’s squad. 

Having successfully stepped up from the Under-18s, Leban has already made 15 Premier League 2 appearances this season and played a starring role in the young Blues’ thrilling run to the last 16 of the Papa John’s Trophy.   

After putting pen to paper on the new deal, the Slovenia youth international spoke of his determination to keep progressing with the Blues.

“It feels great to sign this new deal after all the hard work in recent seasons,” Leban told evertontv. “It feels like a reward and motivation moving forward.

“Playing Under-21s football week in and week out has helped me massively. It has given me great experience, and the staff have been brilliant to work with.”  

Despite the depth of goalkeeping talent in Everton Academy, Leban is embracing battling with the likes of Billy Crellin and Jack Barrett for game-time and welcomes the pressure that comes with competing to be the Under-21s No.1.   

“I love the challenge, he added. “If I didn’t enjoy it then I wouldn’t be a goalkeeper. The pressure, the positive stress that’s on a goalkeeper, I thrive from it.  

“It’s been a really good season for the group overall so far. We started strong with great wins in the league and cups, especially in the Papa John’s Trophy where we had a great run. You can see we are a great family and a team that works hard for each other.”  

Although Leban’s new deal comes as just reward for his hard work and standout performances, the shot-stopper remains focused on his goals for the remainder of this season and beyond.   

“Nothing will change from my perspective,” he said. “I am going to keep working hard and progressing. The season is not over. I want us to win as many games as possible from here.   

“Hopefully I can eventually put myself in the First Team picture. That’s the plan and always has been.”