Everton’s teenage winger Shea Pita has been rewarded with his first professional contract following a series of standout performances at both Finch Farm and Goodison Park. The 16-year-old Welsh youth international made an immediate impact after stepping into the club’s Under-21 side, playing a key role in their Premier League International Cup campaign.
In a memorable debut for the U21s, Pita came off the bench during a crucial group-stage clash against PSV Eindhoven. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Everton mounted a second-half comeback with goals from Malique Olaiwola and Kingsford Boakye to level the score. With the game needing a hero, Pita stepped up to win and convert a penalty, securing a vital victory for Paul Tait’s side. That result, combined with wins over Monaco and RB Leipzig, reignited their hopes of advancing from the group—hopes that were ultimately extinguished by Borussia Dortmund in the final.
Pita’s rise continued in the FA Youth Cup, where he scored for the U18s against Ipswich Town at the Hildekin Stadium. Now 17, he has put pen to paper on his first professional deal. “It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract,” Pita told the club’s media. “It’s been a really good season for me so far. I had some ups and downs with injury early on, but I found my rhythm around Christmas and started pushing into the U21s. I’ve really enjoyed it. Playing at both Hildekin and Goodison Park has been fantastic. I know all the history at Goodison, so to score there was incredible.”
Pita is part of a wave of talented youngsters elevated from the U18s to the U21s this season, with several making strong impressions. Forward Braydon Graham has continued his prolific scoring form, while both Olaiwola and Graham have been named on the first-team bench by manager David Moyes. Akareki and Pita have also caught the eye. As Everton looks to rebuild its academy pathway after years of financial constraints that limited opportunities and saw key prospects sold, the hope is that these young players will take further strides next season.
Both the U21 and U18 league campaigns have concluded. The U21s ended a disappointing Premier League 2 season with a play-off defeat to Huddersfield Town, while the U18s finished with a 5-3 win over Manchester City. The U18s also reached the FA Youth Cup semifinals. However, there is still a chance for silverware this season, as the U21s are set to face Runcorn Linnets in the Liverpool Senior Cup final.