CONFIRMED DEAL: Everton Officially Announce Sealing Deal for One of the Youngest First-team Player in History of Premier League

Everton Future Looks Brighter as Young Star Ceiran Loney Signs First Pro Deal — But Striker Shortage Remains a Major Worry

Everton have given fans a glimpse of hope for the future after tying promising young striker Ceiran Loney down to his first professional contract. But with the new Premier League season fast approaching, there’s no mistaking the size of the task still facing David Moyes as he tries to rebuild a misfiring attack.

The Toffees confirmed on Saturday (5 July) that Loney, 17, has penned a professional deal at Bramley-Moore Dock, keeping him on Merseyside until June 2027. Loney joined from Partick Thistle last summer and has quietly impressed in the club’s academy set-up.

Speaking after putting pen to paper, the teenager could hardly contain his delight. “I’m buzzing – I think it’s a big achievement for me in my football career so far,” he told the club’s media team. “It’s something that you dream of when you’re young, so it’s good to see that the hard work is paying off.”

Loney already holds a slice of Scottish football history, having become Partick Thistle’s youngest ever first-team player at just 16 years and 17 days. He made 12 appearances for Everton’s Under-18s last term and will now step up to train with the senior squad during pre-season.

A Bright Talent — But Not the Immediate Answer

The mood around Goodison is cautiously optimistic about Loney’s potential. However, the wider reality is that Everton desperately need proven goalscorers, not just prospects. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure on a free transfer leaves Moyes with a gaping hole up front, while last season’s numbers tell their own grim story.

Everton finished among the lowest-scoring sides in the Premier League, managing just 42 goals in 38 matches. Only Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich found the net fewer times.

Iliman Ndiaye was the club’s top scorer last term with nine league goals, followed by Beto on eight. Dwight McNeil chipped in with four. For a side that wants to pull away from the relegation conversation, those figures simply aren’t good enough.

Moyes knows it. So does the board. The club has made Thierno Barry a priority target, hoping the French striker will be a capable replacement for Calvert-Lewin. But with Beto currently the only recognised first-team centre-forward, at least two more signings look essential before the opening game against Leeds United on 11 August.

As one source close to the club put it bluntly this week, “It would be a recruitment failure if Loney got anywhere near the first team at the start of this Premier League season.”

More Signings Still Needed

The mood among fans is mixed. On one hand, securing young talents like Loney — alongside new deals for Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite — shows Everton are planning for the long term. On the other, there’s frustration that the squad still lacks depth in key areas. Idrissa Gueye is expected to sign a new contract soon, which will help in midfield, but the focus now must be on boosting firepower.

Moyes, back at the helm for a second stint, faces a daunting task. Having just two reliable players up front is a risk he can’t afford. If Everton want to pull themselves clear of the Premier League’s basement, new faces must arrive — and quickly.

For now, Loney’s contract is a feel-good moment. But for Everton fans, the bigger question remains: who will score the goals to keep them in the division this time?