Brendan Galloway completes Everton switch

Saturday 02 Aug 2014
Brendan Galloway has impressed for England's development teams

Everton have completed the signing of England youth international Brendan Galloway.

Galloway - who has represented the Young Lions at U17, U18 and U19 levels - joins the Merseyside club from MK Dons.

The 18-year-old defender has penned a five-year deal at Goodison Park and expressed his delight at completing the move. 

Brendan Galloway made his MK Dons debut at the age of just 15

He said: "It means an awful lot to me coming to such a great club. 

"I'm now looking forward to learning off some of the more senior players - the likes of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka.  

"I've been watching them for years now and they're great professionals, great players - players who have been there and done it. 

"That's a big thing for me to be able to learn off guys like that. 
 
"Short-term,I just want to work hard to better myself as a footballer here, which I know I will with the coaches and other staff here. 

“It means an awful lot to me coming to such a great club”

Brendan Galloway 

"Long-term, I also want to get in the Everton team and play week in and week out in the Premier League and play in a team that's doing well, which I know we will do."

Galloway - who became MK Dons' youngest ever first-team player when he made his debut at the age of 15 in 2011 - will initially join up with the Toffees' U21 side.

Meanwhile, MK Dons boss Karl Robinson admitted Galloway's departure would be a big loss for the club, but wished the youngster well at his new side.

"I do believe Brendan can be as good as he wants to be and I wish him all the luck in the world," he said.

"He's going to fantastic football club club in Everton that will only aid his development."

Everton begin their Premier League campaign on 16 August with a trip to newly promoted Leicester City.

Roberto Martinez's side then face back-to-back home games against Arsenal and Chelsea on 23 and 30 August respectively.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer