Everton signed highly-rated youngster Justin Clarke from AFC Wimbledon last summer, bringing him into the academy as a first-year scholar.
Clarke had joined Wimbledon at the age of 11 and steadily progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in November 2023. He came off the bench in a Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash against Wycombe Wanderers at just 15 years old, becoming the club’s youngest-ever debutant.
Just two weeks earlier, Clarke had scored a stunning bicycle kick to win an FA Youth Cup tie against Cambridge United—an early sign of his flair for the spectacular.
His rapid rise at Wimbledon didn’t go unnoticed. Everton swooped in for an undisclosed six-figure fee, confident in the young attacker’s potential.
Clarke made an instant impact at Finch Farm. On his debut for the Toffees’ U18s, he netted a brace in a 3-2 win over Newcastle United. He followed that up with goals in the next two matches, but his standout performance came in a 4-2 win over Leeds United, where he scored four goals in a single match.
He finished the campaign as the U18s’ top scorer in all competitions, racking up 13 goals in his debut season.
His form under coach Keith Southern earned him a debut for the U21s, coming off the bench in a Premier League 2 fixture against Southampton in February. Clarke’s growing reputation led to further recognition, as he was named in David Moyes’ squad for the Premier League Summer Series in the United States. Though he didn’t feature, his inclusion was a strong signal of belief in his potential.
Clarke has been spotlighted by Football Today as one to watch, and it’s easy to see why. He has excellent acceleration, a natural eye for goal, and the versatility to operate across the entire front line. Last season, he scored three goals as a right winger, two from the left, and an impressive five as a centre-forward in just two appearances.
That said, there’s still room for development. Coaches note he sometimes goes for goal when passing would be the better option—a common trait among young forwards eager to impress.
Looking ahead, Clarke is expected to feature more regularly for the U21s and could make his senior debut if he continues his upward trajectory.
Everton fans should keep a close eye on Justin Clarke—a precocious talent who’s already making waves and catching the eye at Goodison Park.