Everton Under-21s have signed goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley from Oxford United, the 18-year-old agreeing a two-year contract until the end of June 2025. 

A product of Oxford’s academy, Barnsley impressed in the club’s run to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals last season. 

Along with his development with the U’s, the young goalkeeper has also enjoyed loan spells at Welling United and Evesham United.  

After sealing his move to Merseyside, Barnsley told evertontv: “It’s an amazing feeling and a very proud moment for me and my family. 

“I’ll make sure I’m improving every day I’m in the building at Everton and I’ll try to enjoy it because opportunities to play for a football club like this don’t come along often.  

“It’s a great club with a great foundation and history and I’m just buzzing to get started."  

Describing his best attributes, the teenager said: “I’d probably say my shot-stopping and my communication. I’m very big on trying to make sure we work as a team to stop a goal, rather than it being just me.  

“If we can work as a team and keep clean sheets then I see that as a job well done by everyone, not just myself.” 

Barnsley is looking forward to joining Everton’s strong crop of goalkeepers and is excited by the prospect of getting to train and learn from Blues and England No.1 Jordan Pickford. 

“I’ll try to soak up as much as I can," added Barnsley. "Pickford is an amazing goalkeeper with an amazing pedigree.  

“With all the Everton goalkeepers at senior level, I’ll try to take in as much information, and utilise them as much as possible to get as far as I can.  

“I’m really proud and happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.”