According to the Daily Mail, Everton have completed the signing of Sunderland wonderkid Francis Okoronkwo.
What’s the story?
Well, the report claims that Everton have wrapped up their first signing under Rafa Benitez, albeit one who is unlikely to go straight into the first-team.
Everton have paid £1m to take the 16-year-old away from the Stadium of Light, after he shone for Sunderland’s Under-18 side last season.
The Daily Mail believe several top-flight clubs were interested in Okoronkwo, but the Toffees managed to win the race.
Sunderland wanted to keep the teenager badly, so much so that they invited him to be part of the group which travelled to Wembley for the EFL Trophy win in March.
Sadly for the Wearsiders, that didn’t work.
Who is Francis Okoronkwo?
Well, for a start, Okoronkwo is 6ft 3in, which is pretty incredible for a 16-year-old.
His physique allowed him to compete two years above his age group in Sunderland’s Under-18 side last term, where he made 17 appearances.
In those outings, he impressed with three goals and three assists, earning him a move to the Premier League.
We may not see him in first-team action for a while, but Everton’s track record of developing youngsters is mighty impressive, which bodes well for Okoronkwo.
If he goes on to be anything like Wayne Rooney, for example, the Toffees have a real gem on their hands.
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