Everton have announced the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Francis Gomez, who joins the club’s academy after making a name for himself in Nigeria.
The highly-rated Gambian talent has penned a deal at Goodison Park but will spend the 2024/25 season on loan at Lyon, where he is expected to gain valuable experience in Ligue 1.
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Gomez, described as “one of the most highly-rated talents from mainland Gambia,” has been on the radar of several European clubs due to his impressive performances at youth level.
Everton, known for nurturing young talent, secured his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window. However, with strong competition for places in Everton’s midfield—particularly after the recent addition of Orel Mangala—the decision was made to loan Gomez to Lyon.
The move to Lyon is seen as a strategic one, offering Gomez the chance to develop in a competitive environment. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, will also be competing in the Europa League this year, providing Gomez with the opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
Everton manager Sean Dyche has been cautious about promoting young players to the first team since his arrival in January 2023, with the call-up of Roman Dixon against Tottenham being a rare exception.
Gomez’s loan to Lyon is expected to provide him with the regular playing time necessary to continue his development. If Gomez performs well, he could return to Merseyside next summer as a strong contender for a place in Everton’s first team.
As Gomez embarks on this critical phase of his career, Everton fans will be keeping a close eye on his progress in France, hopeful that he can emerge as a key player for the Toffees in the near future.
