• Born: 23/02/2005


• Birthplace: Bolton


• Nationality: English

England youth international Owen Barker joined Everton at Under-9 level.

A skilful dribbler who boasts impressive quality on the ball, the Bolton-born youngster enjoys playing on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder.

Barker made six appearances for the Under-21s in the 2022/23 campaign and has been capped for England Under-15s.

During the same season, he made eight league appearances for the Under-18s, scoring three goals, and registering two assists.

A highlight for Barker came in December 2022, when he scored once and set up two goals during an impressive 3-0 FA Youth Cup victory over Reading at Goodison Park.

On 4th July 2023, Everton announced that Owen had signed a new 2 year professional contract with the club.

“I am very pleased with this and I can’t wait to get going. From joining the Club, it’s all I ever wanted so I am delighted said Barker".

“In my journey so far, I have enjoyed Everton so much. I think the coaches have been brilliant ever since I arrived. I enjoy coming into training every day – I love it. I’d love to one day make my senior debut, run out to the fans at Goodison Park, or obviously, the new stadium. I can’t wait. It’s a faster game and more physical, so I had to get used to it quickly. But I have enjoyed it so far.”

On both managers, Barker added: “Leighton Baines is a good coach, I have enjoyed working with him. He’s very encouraging and is always trying to make me a better player. He’s always trying to help me get in the right positions to cause as much chaos as I can to the other team.

“Paul Tait is the same. He is encouraging, disciplined and just wants the best for you. I have enjoyed working with him.”

Barker has no plans to rest on his laurels and is already looking ahead to the improvements he can make in this upcoming season, with some hope it could lead to opportunities to impress Men’s Senior Team boss Sean Dyche in the future.

“I want to keep enjoying my football and keep impressing,” Barker explained. “I also want to add more goals and assists to my game, while potentially getting to train with the Senior Team a few times. I want to impress the right people so I can eventually break into the Senior Team.”

Contracted until: June 2025

Source: Everton FC