Pinnacle Gazette

Tom Davies Trains With Everton Under-21s As He Seeks New Club

The former midfielder aims to maintain fitness and mentor young players during his transition period

Category: Sports

Former Everton midfielder Tom Davies has returned to Finch Farm to train with the club’s Under-21s as he seeks a new club following his release from Sheffield United. The 28-year-old is using this opportunity to maintain his fitness ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season, having been a free agent since his contract expired at Bramall Lane.

Davies, who joined Everton’s academy at the age of 11, made a total of 179 senior appearances for the club from 2015 to 2023. His tenure at Everton was marked by several notable achievements, including becoming the club’s youngest captain at the age of 20 during a Carabao Cup match in 2018. His return to training with the Under-21 squad serves his personal goals and allows him to share his experience with the younger players at the club.

After leaving Everton in the summer of 2023, Davies joined Sheffield United, where he faced challenges that hindered his ability to secure a regular starting position. His time at the club was marred by recurrent injuries, limiting him to just 36 appearances across three seasons, during which he scored one goal but did not register any assists. Davies’s single goal for the Blades came during the 2024/25 EFL Championship season.

The contextual background

Davies’s career at Everton began with promise as he debuted for the senior team at 17 years old in April 2016. His development within the club was rapid, and he quickly became a fan favorite, particularly remembered for his iconic solo goal against Manchester City in January 2017. This goal showcased his technical skill and determination, as he embarked on a remarkable 70-yard run before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper, a moment that remains etched in the memories of Everton supporters.

After making a notable impact at Everton, Davies faced a difficult decision in 2023 when he turned down a contract extension, opting instead to join Sheffield United upon their promotion back to the Premier League. Unfortunately, his stint at the club was plagued by injuries, which significantly affected his playing time and contributions on the field. The lack of consistent appearances at Sheffield United led to his eventual release at the end of the 2025/26 season.

What happens next

Now back at Everton, Davies is focused on regaining his fitness and preparing for his next career move. By training with the Under-21s, he hopes to stay in shape and to provide mentorship to younger players who are just beginning their professional journeys. This connection to his roots at Everton exemplifies the strong bond he maintains with the club, which has been a central part of his footballing life.

As he continues his training, Davies will likely attract interest from clubs looking to bolster their squads with experienced players. His determination to return to competitive football is evident, and he aims to leverage his experience to find a suitable club where he can contribute effectively. The upcoming weeks will be telling, as he showcases his readiness to potential suitors.

In a statement, Davies expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train at Everton, stating, "I’m thankful to the club for allowing me to use their facilities. It’s a great chance for me to stay fit and hopefully help the young lads at the same time." This sentiment reflects his commitment to both his personal aspirations and the development of the next generation of Everton talent.

As the 2026/27 season approaches, attention will turn to Davies as he seeks to secure a new contract and continue his professional career. His experience and skills could be valuable assets to any team looking to strengthen their midfield options. For now, the focus remains on his training and preparation at Finch Farm, where he will work diligently to make a successful transition to his next chapter in football.