Koeman shares masterplan to fast-track next generation of Everton stars
By Alex Taylor
Ronald Koeman has stated his intent to give young players the chance to shine at Everton.
The Toffees have been linked to an array of high profile signings this summer after billionaire Farhad Moshiri became a majority shareholder this summer, casting doubts over their commitment to the younger players at the club.
“We all know it’s all about winning but if you can do that with people from the club, from the academy, then that’s better,” Koeman told the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s one of my philosophies that I want to bring to Everton. We have a great academy. Okay, we can sign players but the best thing is that young players get their debuts in the first team because they are working hard in the academy and you have to give them the confidence to get opportunities to play in the first team if they’re really talented.”
The Merseyside outfit are yet to spend big in the current transfer window and it is believed that securing the long-term future of star striker Romelu Lukaku has become a key priority, ahead of potential additions.
Everton have sealed a deal for former Fulham keeper Maarten Stekelenburg though, after losing Tim Howard to the Colorado Rapids in June.
Koeman is currently preparing to fly his team to Austria next week for a preseason training camp ahead of the new Premier League season.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are set to outbid Chelsea in an attempt to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly