Nine-year-old Urban Negi has become the latest young talent to join a Premier League youth system, officially signing with the Everton FC Academy. The Indian-origin footballer from South East London first gained attention at the age of seven while playing for Dynamo Youth FC, a grassroots club known for nurturing technical skills.
His performances during trials impressed scouts, earning him an invitation to train at Everton's prestigious Finch Farm facility. Negi, who idolizes Everton’s creative midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, has been praised for his close control and composure on the ball.
The signing is part of a broader strategy by Everton under new Technical Director Nick Cox to identify high-potential players at an early stage. The club has recently expanded its scouting network, advertising roles focused on recruiting talent in the U5-U8 age groups to build a world-class pre-academy system.
His family shared their pride on social media, acknowledging the challenges of moving cities and schools for the young player to pursue his footballing dreams.
For Indian football fans, Negi's progress represents a hopeful step towards greater representation in elite European leagues. Historically, players of Indian heritage such as Michael Chopra and Neil Taylor have been rare fixtures in the Premier League.
While Negi is still at the very beginning of his journey, his entry into a top-tier academy offers a glimpse of potential for the future. As an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) through his father, he could also be eligible to represent India internationally in the years to come.
Negi’s development will now continue within Everton's environment, where he aims to emulate the flair of his idol Ndiaye. Online clips showcasing his dribbling skills have already generated excitement among supporters. Although it is too early to predict his career trajectory, his signing is seen as a positive indicator for the visibility of Indian-origin talent in English football.
