Playmaker Jose Baxter is set to return to Everton this summer.
According to a report from The Times, Everton have offered a contract to former player Jose Baxter, for when his one-year drugs ban end this summer.
The Toffees have been putting effort into their Under-23 side, with the club landing young striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Sheffield United on deadline day in August, and appear to be putting heavy focus onto giving David Unsworth more talent to work with, having also signed winger Anton Donkor this week.
David Moyes (L) with Jose Baxter (R)
Homegrown talents like Kieran Dowell and Jonjoe Kenny are also emerging, but a new report suggests that a former Everton youth product could be heading back to Goodison Park later this year.
In a shock turn of events, The Times report that Everton have in fact offered a contract to playmaker Jose Baxter, who is currently serving a one-year ban for a second failed drugs test.
Baxter, now 24, was once billed as Everton’s next big thing having joined the club at the age of just six, but he left for Oldham Athletic in 2012 with a record of 15 games and no goals for the Toffees.
Preston North End’s Calum Woods in action with Sheffield United’s Jose Baxter
Having starred with Oldham, Baxter earned a move to Sheffield United in 2013, but was released in May of last year following the revelation of his second failed drugs test, leaving after hitting 28 goals in 113 appearances for the Blades.
The attacking midfielder will be able to return to football over the summer, and his comeback will seemingly be with Everton, as the Toffees have offered him a 12-month contract, which will begin when he is eligible again.
Baxter himself is stunned by the offer, which will be for him to join Unsworth’s Under-23 side with a potential step-up to Ronald Koeman’s first team should he impress under Unsworth next season.
Baxter told The Times; “I’m speechless. Not many people get a second chance and here’s me with a third chance,” – comments that suggest he will accept Everton’s offer, or has done already.
It’s not only Baxter’s third chance, but possibly his final chance, and whilst it’s stunning that Everton have decided to take a gamble on their former prodigy, it’s a generous decision from the Toffees, who want to get Baxter back on track.
Would you be happy to see Baxter return to Everton?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
