Everton academy midfielder Malik Olayiwola has signed his first professional contract with the club, penning a deal until June 2028.

The youngster – who turned 17 last week – is enjoying his 12th year with the Blues and became a first-year scholar last summer. Just two days after his birthday, Olayiwola was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time on Saturday for Everton’s FA Cup third-round tie against Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Reacting to signing a first professional deal, he told the club’s website: “I’m very proud because I’ve worked a long time for this. This season’s been good because I’ve gone from the Under-18s to Under-21s and then on to the bench with the first team so quickly. It all happened so fast – I was just excited.”

Describing the experience of being part of David Moyes’ squad at the weekend, Olayiwola said: “That was surreal. Being around so many people you watch on TV, warming up and being in the same environment as them was crazy.

“I take a lot of confidence knowing I was called up to be with them, so I’ve gone into this week –...