Martin Sherif signs first professional contract with Everton

Everton Under-18s striker, Martin Sherif, has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The three-year agreement keeps Sherif at Everton until the end of June 2026. The 17-year-old Netherlands youth international joined Everton in 2019 from Dutch club Almere City.

Sherif, in the previous season, scored 15 goals and contributed four assists in 23 appearances for Leighton Baines' Under-18s.

Speaking to evertontv, Sherif shared his excitement: “I feel good. There’s lots of joy at signing this contract and I’m ready to go. I know I’ve improved. To go from six league goals in the previous season to 14 last time is great. It was a season of working hard on improvements.”

The young striker expressed his gratitude towards his coach Baines and assistant head coach Kieran Driscoll for their instrumental roles in his development journey over the past year.

He said, “Leighton spoke to me about my hold-up play and he used Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a good example. Kieran has helped with my composure in front of goal. Both of them have been really helpful to me, so I appreciate that.”

Sherif also made appearances for Everton Under-21s last term, and he is eager for more time on the pitch in the 2023/24 season.

He hopes his performances will attract the attention of Men’s Senior Team boss Sean Dyche.

"For next season, I want to be in and around the Under-21 side,” Sherif stated. “Play well there which could hopefully catch Sean Dyche’s eye. It’s also important for me to keep featuring for Holland because playing for your country is one of the best honours you can achieve.”

Sherif was a part of the Netherlands’ Under-17s squad for the European Championships in May. Despite the team not progressing beyond the group stage, Sherif cherished the experience.

“It was a great experience, especially starting and playing in my first game at the Euros as my nation’s No.9, with my last name on the back,” he recounted.

“It was a really proud moment for me. Even though it didn’t go well for the team, I enjoyed the experience.”