adminSince the Friedkin Group assumed control, Everton have significantly increased their focus on signing young, high-potential players.
Last year, the club’s new owners implemented a revamped recruitment strategy aimed at identifying emerging talent, both within the academy and at senior level. High-profile moves such as the £40 million capture of Tyler Dibling and the £8 million arrival of Adam Aznou underline that approach. Everton also secured the signing of 16-year-old Reuben Gokah from Charlton Athletic last summer, with the youngster currently featuring for the under-18s.
However, Everton’s pursuit of another highly rated prospect appears set to end in disappointment, with Chelsea now leading the race. According to The Star, the Toffees were among several clubs tracking Sheffield Wednesday’s Yisa Alao.
The 17-year-old left-back has made a rapid impression at Hillsborough, breaking into Wednesday’s first team during a difficult Championship campaign. Born in 2008, Alao has already made five senior appearances and stood out for his calmness and technical ability. Chelsea are now reportedly close to finalising a deal, having agreed a high six-figure fee up front.
Despite missing out on Alao, the Friedkin Group’s commitment to overhauling Everton’s youth setup is clear. At the beginning of 2025, the club’s academy was described by an insider as a “disgrace,” reflecting years of underinvestment under former owner Farhad Moshiri. The new regime moved swiftly to address those shortcomings.
One of their first major steps was appointing Nick Cox from Manchester United to head up the academy, a move widely viewed as a major statement of intent. Since then, Everton have been actively exploring opportunities to recruit top teenage prospects from across the country.
While losing out on Alao is a setback, it also highlights the shift in direction under the Friedkins, who are clearly working to build a stronger foundation for long-term success on Merseyside.
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