Everton's academy could be handed a route into Europe despite the club's Under-21s having failed to qualify for a prestigious youth trophy. The young Blues were set to miss out on next season's Premier League International Cup after finishing 18th in Premier League 2, with only the top 16 gaining entry. However, a reprieve may be on the horizon as at least two teams that finished above them are expected to decline their invitations.
Liverpool and Arsenal Decline Invites
The ECHO understands that Liverpool, whose U21s finished seventh in Premier League 2, and Arsenal, whose U21s finished 14th, are currently not planning on entering the Premier League International Cup. Both clubs also declined the chance to feature last season, having other European commitments through the UEFA Youth League, a competition again open to them for the upcoming season.
Opportunity for Everton
Declined invites are typically passed onto the next highest placed teams in Premier League 2. Last season, Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion benefitted from such a situation. This time, the opportunity would initially fall to Nottingham Forest and Everton. Should they take up the offer, it would be a boost for the Blues, whose academy is undergoing an overhaul. Dean Rastrick was appointed as academy director in April as part of these changes.
Previous Success in the Tournament
The Premier League International Cup provided valuable experience for some of Everton's best prospects last season, including Braiden Graham, Malik Olayiwola, Shea Pita, and George Pickford. Everton earned impressive wins over the academy teams of RB Leipzig, Monaco, and PSV Eindhoven. They lost in the group stage to Real Madrid's side but still won that group and reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Dortmund. Dortmund went on to beat Real Madrid's side in the final. The tournament is made up of 16 English sides from Premier League 2 and 16 European sides who are invited to take part.
