Midfielder Callum Bates has signed a new two-year contract with Everton until the end of June 2027.
Bates, who has been with the Blues’ Academy since the age of 11, has worked his way up the age groups to become a regular for the Under-21s, and signed his first professional contract with Everton in 2022.
The 19-year-old made 17 Premier League 2 appearances for Paul Tait’s side last season and started the semi-final and final of the Under-21s’ Liverpool County FA Senior Cup success, as well as featuring in the Premier League Cup and EFL Trophy.
Bates also made two Men’s Senior Team matchday squads last term, named on the bench for Everton’s Premier League clashes against West Ham United and Brentford in November 2024.
Now back in pre-season training with the Under-21s, Bates is already turning his attentions to kicking on and continuing his development next season.
“It’s a good feeling to sign the new deal, and I’m just looking forward to the new season now,” said Bates.
“Last season was a good one. I had a few opportunities with the first team which was good from a development point of view. Obviously it’s a better standard than the Under-21s, and you just have to get used to it quickly.
“At the start you’re a bit nervous, but as soon as you start playing football, the nerves go.
“The Under-21s season was good as we’ve qualified for the Premier League International Cup. It’s a good group, the new scholars are good lads and they’re ready to work.
“The team’s ambitions are just to get as far as possible in the cups and the league, and the personal ambitions is to try to play with the first team and if not, go and play with the first team somewhere else on loan.”
Bates joins Isaac Heath, Eli Campbell, Coby Ebere and Jack Patterson as young professionals who have signed extended terms with Everton this summer. Harvey Foster, Aled Thomas, Ceiran Loney, Luca Davis, George Finney and Josh van Schoor have all signed their first professional contracts.
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