Deal sealed and here we go, confirmed – Everton fans have reason to celebrate for bright future as the club has officially sign of a Superstar Striker Ceiran Loney
Everton’s long-term planning has received a significant boost following the news that highly-rated teenage striker Ceiran Loney has signed his first professional contract with the club. While not a new signing from outside the club, the 17-year-old forward is considered a key talent for the future — and this latest development underlines the Toffees’ renewed focus on developing young players.
The club officially announced on Saturday, 5 July, that Loney had put pen to paper at Bramley-Moore Dock, securing his place at the Merseyside club until June 2027. The move is seen as another positive step as Everton continue to strengthen their squad both on and off the pitch during a summer of transition and rebuilding.
From Record Breaker to Future Hope
Loney joined Everton last summer from Scottish side Partick Thistle, where he had already made headlines as a 16-year-old. In April 2023, he became Partick’s youngest-ever first-team player, making his debut at just 16 years and 17 days old — a record that still stands.
Since arriving in Merseyside, Loney has quietly impressed behind the scenes. He spent the 2023/24 season developing his skills within Everton’s academy, making 12 appearances for the under-18 side. His performances showcased his raw talent, work ethic, and instinctive finishing ability — traits that have now earned him a place in the senior setup.
Speaking after signing the deal, a thrilled Loney shared his excitement:
> “I’m buzzing – I think it’s a big achievement for me in my football career so far. It’s something that you dream of when you’re young, so it’s good to see that the hard work is paying off.”
With his signature secured, the young striker is now expected to train periodically with the first team, gaining valuable experience under the watchful eye of Everton’s senior coaches. While his pathway to regular Premier League football will be carefully managed, his early exposure to top-tier training environments is a critical step in his development.
Everton Tie Down Key Players and Look Ahead
Loney’s deal comes as part of a wider strategy by Everton to secure the future of the club’s key assets. In recent weeks, veteran leaders Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane have both agreed new contracts, while rising star Jarrad Branthwaite has also committed his future to the club amid widespread interest from elsewhere. Idrissa Gana Gueye is also expected to sign a new deal in the coming days.
These renewals send a clear message that Everton are determined to build a squad with a healthy balance of youth and experience as they head into a new chapter.
Urgent Striker Reinforcements Still Needed
Despite the promising news around Loney, Everton’s need for established attacking options remains critical. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing the club after declining to extend his contract, the Toffees are left alarmingly thin in the striker department. Beto, who managed eight league goals last season, is currently the only senior centre-forward on the books.
Last season, Everton struggled in front of goal, scoring just 42 times across 38 Premier League matches. Their leading scorer, Iliman Ndiaye, netted only nine goals — an underwhelming figure for a team aiming to climb the league table. Winger Dwight McNeil contributed four, but the overall numbers reflect a squad lacking firepower.
Everton manager David Moyes, who is expected to be confirmed in the coming days as the club’s new head coach, will face immediate pressure to bring in at least two, if not three, proven forwards before the season opener against Leeds United on 11 August.
Among the names linked is Le Havre striker Thierno Barry, who is seen as a potential direct replacement for Calvert-Lewin. However, unless significant progress is made in the transfer market soon, Everton risk entering the season with inadequate depth up front — a situation that could jeopardize their campaign from the outset.
Loney Not Ready for First-Team Pressure — Yet
While Ceiran Loney is undoubtedly a player with immense potential, it would be unfair — and arguably a sign of poor planning — to expect him to feature in first-team fixtures this early in his career. The club must avoid rushing his progression and instead allow him the time and support to grow at his own pace.
He may earn opportunities in cup competitions or late-season cameos if the circumstances are right, but for now, his focus should remain on learning, improving, and adjusting to the demands of senior football.
A Promising Sign of Progress
For Everton fans, Loney’s new contract is a symbol of hope for the future. In a period marked by financial challenges and the need to rebuild wisely, nurturing homegrown and academy talent is more important than ever. If the club can complement its internal growth with smart recruitment this summer, the future at Goodison Park — and soon at Bramley-Moore Dock — could be brighter than it has been in years.