ThewolfNaturally, there is still a steady stream of stars emerging, but their purpose has become more financial than footballing, given how PSR values youth prospects at £0.
Therefore, any fee gained for their exit is viewed as pure profit, making it a quick and easy way to circumvent restrictions or get yourself out of a fiscal hole.
The Toffees have been stuck in one of them for so long now, but due to Kevin Thelwell’s careful negotiating, have made steps towards a more stable future.
Lewis Dobbin’s sale and the acquisition of Tim Iroegbunam in the summer drew scrutiny from some who thought there was foul financial play afoot. The Premier League even rushed to close Everton’s PSR loophole after this deal.
But now, perhaps the pathway to the first team could be set to open up again, with one man ready to break down the door.
Jack Harrison has had a tough season at Everton
Should Everton look to dip into their academy, ideally the man they would want could replace Jack Harrison.
After all, this has not been an easy season thus far for the on-loan Leeds United man, who is playing like he needs a rest, or a new incentive to spark him back to life.
At his best, the 27-year-old is an energetic wide man with a burst of speed and a wicked delivery.
At his worst, he performs like he did last Saturday.
Nothing he tried came off, and his work rate inexplicably faltered alongside his teammates. He was eventually hooked on the 68th minute, but this kind of profligacy is not new.
Harrison is yet to score or assist this Premier League season.
Meanwhile, Omari Benjamin cannot stop scoring for the U21s…
Who is Everton youngster Omari Benjamin?
Having only joined this summer, it has taken this 18-year-old former Arsenal academy gem no time at all to acclimatise to his new surroundings.
And, having scored 18 goals in 33 games at U18 level in north London, he did join with some expectation.
However, the attacker has more than lived up to it thus far, with his brace on Saturday helping Everton’s U21s win the Merseyside Derby.
They marked his fourth and fifth goals of the season, adding to the two assists he has also posted.
Benjamin blends such proficiency with a work rate that might convince the Everton manager to take a punt on him, given what Paul Tait, his manager at U21s level, said recently: ‘His work rate off the ball is commendable. He’s not just a forward waiting for the ball; he tracks back diligently. We aimed to involve him more in the game, and our adjustments paid off, leading to his fantastic assist at the end.’
With Harrison underperforming, and Jesper Lindstrom still unfavored, perhaps this has come at the perfect time for Benjamin to be given a run in the first-team.
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