English-born Ghanaian midfielder Melvin Matos has signed a first professional contract at Premier League side Everton FC.
The Everton U18 star signed a two-year deal to keep him at the Merseyside outfit till the summer of 2028.
Matos, born to Ghanaian parents in Bedford, joined Everton from Norwich City and quickly settled to become one of the club’s most exciting prospect.
He made 15 appearances for the U18’s in his first campaign before featuring 22 times last season, and captained the U18’s in five games. Matos also made his U21’s debut and becomes a member of the reserve squad for the upcoming campaign.
“It means a lot. It’s a step in the right direction to keep on pushing and it’s a good moment – a dream come true. I’m really happy with it,” he said.
“I developed a lot last season. We did very well in the league and we did well in the Youth Cup. I feel it was an achievement to become captain a few times.
“I’ve developed quite a bit from when I first came here to then become captain, so that was a really proud moment for me.”
Meanwhile, Everton has made several changes to the Academy structure with Under-21s now led by the recently-appointed Dave Hughes in a new role as the Club’s Head of Academy Player Development, while Matthew Taylor has been brought in as the Club’s new Head Coach for the Under-18s.
“The new faces have been really welcoming. They’ve got a plan and strategy, and I believe in that plan. They’ve been very, very vocal on what they want from us, and we just have to implement what they want,” continued Matos.
“The mood is really, really high when you come into Finch Farm. It feels really happy.
“With the new staff members, they always come in and make sure you’re okay. I think with the coaches, they care. And that’s one of the main things.
“It’s a brilliant group to be a part of. My teammates are great lads. They’re a good laugh off the pitch, but on the pitch they’re amazing.”
Matos is eligible to play for Ghana and England at senior level internationally.
