Under-18s goalkeeper George Pickford has signed his first professional contract with Everton, penning a two-year deal until the end of June 2026.

The 17-year-old joined the Blues’ Academy aged 11, and enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign as a first-year scholar for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s.

After agreeing his new deal, England Under-18s international Pickford told evertonfc.com: “It feels really good to sign this new contract. I’ve been at the Club for more than five years now and I think I’ve come a long way. 

“I really wanted to push on this season. From last summer, I focused on doing as well as I could by training hard and it’s worked out for me. I just want to keep progressing now.”

Pickford has enjoyed a strong first season as one of the standout performers for the Under-18s, progressing to feature for the Under-21s during the final games of the campaign.

Reflecting on the year, and working under Under-18s Head Coach Baines, Pickford said: “With the Under-18s, I think we’ve developed as a team. It was tough early on as we had a lot of players new to the age group but we’re working as hard as ever and we’ve done well.

“It’s good because [Baines] knows so much about the positions and tactics, so he can help players out when they need it. He likes giving little bits of advice to the players which really helps.”

Pickford’s fine form earned the promising young shot-stopper training sessions with the Men’s Senior Team, and after a taste of the action with Sean Dyche’s squad, he is targeting future appearances for the senior side.

“Looking ahead, I’d like more minutes with the Under-21s, but eventually, I want to be playing for the Senior Team,” he explained. “Keep training and then play for them. That’s what I want to do. 

“The sessions I’ve had with them so far have been challenging. It’s tough and fast-paced but it’s been a really good experience. 

“Andy Lonergan was a big help in settling me in. When I went to my England Under-18s camp, Loners was there, too, so he helped me along in training at Finch Farm. He’s a great goalkeeper to look up to, and he helped me a lot.”

On Pickford’s first professional contract, Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “We’re really pleased to have George sign this deal with the Club. He’s been excellent this season with the Under-18s and getting minutes for the Under-21s, along with training sessions with Sean’s squad, highlights the pathway that is there for our young talents.

“We are looking forward to seeing George continue his progression with us at Everton.”