Everton have completed the signing of young forward Francis Okoronkwo from Sunderland.
Okoronkwo, who turned 17 on Saturday, had been with the Black Cats since the age of 12 but has agreed a professional contract at Goodison Park which will run until the end of June 2024.
Although he did not make a first-team appearance for Sunderland, he was included in the travelling party when the League One side competed in the final of the Papa John's Trophy at Wembley.
Speaking to the official Sunderland website, Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are disappointed that Francis and his family took the decision to leave the football club earlier this summer, as we demonstrated a clear pathway for him to continue his development into the first-team environment.
"Throughout the summer, we have displayed our ability to retain and attract young talent and we have started to honour our long-term commitment that our homegrown players will be integral to our philosophy and future success. Although we are disappointed Francis will not be a part of that process, we wish him and his family well.”
The Liverpool Echo have reported a seven-figure deal was agreed with Sunderland earlier in the summer but that Everton will only pay a fraction up front and the rest is dependent on clauses within the contract.
The seven-figure fee has been reported by the Echo as being worth £1m, which could be looked back on as a bargain if Okoronkwo goes on to emulate Wayne Rooney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin by making a breakthrough at Everton.
The forward made 17 league appearances for Sunderland's under-18 side last season, notching on three occasions and registering three assists. One of those goals and one of those assists came against Everton back in May, when the Black Cats clinched a narrow 4-3 win.
He will initially link up with Everton's under-18 squad, who are led by long-serving Toffees youth coach Paul Tait.
