Everton thanked as defender joins EFL club on loan

Everton’s transfer business so far this window has largely centred around sending players out on loan to gain more playing time.

With a just one day of the window remaining, the Toffees have yet to bring in a single new recruit.

Beto continues to be linked with an Everton exit, but it looks as though the striker will now be staying at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Harry Tyrer is the only player to have been sold, meanwhile, having joined Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee two weeks ago.

Francis Okoronkwo, George Finney, Will Tamen and Roman Dixon have all been loaned out by Everton, though, and there is now another name to add to that list.

Elijah Campbell loaned to Port Vale

Everton supporters are frustrated by the lack of business over the past month and it seems unlikely anyone will now arrive before 7pm on Monday.

But the Toffees announced via their official website on Sunday afternoon that young defender Elijah Campbell has now joined Port Vale on loan for the rest of the season.

Academy graduate Campbell made his senior debut for Everton in last month’s FA Cup loss to Sunderland.

He will now spend the rest of the 2025-26 season at Vale Park, where he will get the chance to play more regularly at senior level.

It is not the first time Campbell has spent time out on loan, having spent last season in the Scottish Premiership with Ross County and the 2023-24 season with Fleetwood Town.

• Read more: Everton expected to win race for player Sunderland chiefs think is perfect

What type of player is Campbell?

Campbell is predominantly a centre-back, but he can also play at left-back and further forward, with that versatility a trait every manager loves.

It was at left-back in which Campbell made his senior bow for the Toffees as he played 104 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Sunderland that went to extra time and penalties.

• Elijah Campbell is a versatile defender who can play centre-back or left-back
• He’s spent time on loan with Fleetwood Town and Ross County previously
• Captained Everton at Under-18s level

Campbell completed 83 per cent of his passes against the Black Cats, but he did not register any defensive actions.

The 21-year-old has also captained Everton’s Under-18s side in the past, so he is someone who can lead from the back.

Those qualities will no doubt come in handy for Port Vale, with manager Jon Brady thanking Everton for helping to get the deal done.

“We’re really pleased to have Elijah on board,” Brady told Vale’s official website.

“He’s only 21 but already has some good experience under his belt, including at this level, and he’ll give us another defensive option going into a busy period of important games. 

“Our thanks to Everton for trusting us with continuing his development here at Vale Park.”

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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