Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed some exit news from Everton involving youngster Emilio Lawrence.
The Lowdown: Summer interest
It was reported back in July that Lawrence was expected to leave Goodison Park in the summer, with the ‘big six’ all interested in his signature.
Manchester City were thought to be favourites to sign the attacking midfielder, who came off the back of a season with six goals and three assists in 18 games in the U18 Premier League (Transfermarkt).
The Latest: Lawrence leaves
Taking to Twitter, Romano has revealed that Lawrence has ‘finally’ left the Merseyside club to join City, claiming that it is a ‘big statement’ from the reigning top-flight champions to sign the ‘top talent’:
“Manchester City have finally signed top talent Emilio Lawrence after long negotiations. It’s done — as deal has been signed, medical completed.
“Lawrence joins City from #EFC, he was also part of the U23 team last season. Big statement by City to sign more top talents.”
The Verdict: Blow
It is a blow for the Toffees to lose one of their promising academy stars in Lawrence, especially to a fellow Premier League rival.
They already lost highly rated Thierry Small to Southampton in August, and would rather of course be developing their youth setup rather than reducing it.
Nonetheless, the Blues cannot feel too disheartened about losing Lawrence to City, who have dominated in recent years and have promoted stars like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from their own academy before.
Not everyone makes it as a footballer from a young age, and they will have plenty of other homegrown talent to promote over the next few years.
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