Excitement is an understatement for Everton’s latest signing, Ciaran Loney. The 16-year-old striker has joined the Blues from Partick Thistle and will start as part of Leighton Baines’ Under-18s side at Finch Farm.
Loney’s move to Everton has been met with high praise from senior figures at Partick Thistle, who hailed him as a “superstar” and praised his leadership abilities. The youngster made his senior debut in May, coming off the bench at Tannadice in Partick’s defeat to Dundee United, and has been described as a shining example of what can be achieved at the Partick Thistle Youth Academy.
Speaking of his move to Everton, Loney said: “Excitement is an understatement. I’m looking forward to pre-season first and then kicking on the season and hopefully scoring some goals.” His farewell interview at Firhill saw him express gratitude to the club he joined aged nine and the influence senior figures had in his development.
Partick Thistle’s academy director Craig Dargo praised Loney, saying: “We’re all extremely proud of Ceiran both as a footballer and as a young person as he begins the next chapter of his journey at the Everton academy, a truly excellent place for him to continue his development.”
Dargo also thanked Everton Football Club and the Everton academy for their professionalism and respect shown throughout their dealings with the football club, the academy, Loney, and his family. He added: “Ceiran has been a superstar, not only through his abilities on the pitch but also thanks to his natural leadership qualities, his commitment to training and learning, and the way he has always supported his teammates.”
Loney’s move to Everton is a significant one, with the Blues beating off competition from other clubs to secure his signature. His arrival at Goodison Park is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent and providing opportunities for the next generation of players.
As Loney begins his pre-season training at Everton, he does so with the full support and best wishes of everyone at Partick Thistle. His former club will be keeping a close eye on his progress, eager to see him succeed at the highest level.
For Everton, Loney’s signing is a welcome addition to their academy ranks. The club has a rich history of developing young players, and Loney’s arrival is a sign of their continued commitment to nurturing talent.
With Loney set to link up with Leighton Baines’ Under-18s, he will be joining a team with a strong reputation for developing young players. Baines, a former Everton player himself, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s academy setup and has a keen eye for talent.
As Loney begins his journey at Everton, he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of other successful academy graduates. The likes of Tom Davies, Mason Holgate, and Jonjoe Kenny have all made the transition from the academy to the first team, and Loney will be eager to do the same.
With his leadership qualities, commitment to training, and natural ability on the pitch, Loney has all the attributes to succeed at Everton. His move to the Blues is an exciting one, and fans will be keeping a close eye on his progress in the coming months.
In a farewell message to Loney, Partick Thistle said: “We offer Ceiran and his family the very best of luck and look forward to seeing and hearing what he achieves in the next stages of his development.” For Loney, the next chapter of his journey is about to begin, and he will be hoping to make a lasting impression at Everton.