Everton academy goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks has set his sights on Jordan Pickford’s position after signing his first professional contract with the club.
Although born in Latvia, the 17-year-old from Southport has established himself as an England Under-18 international and has been part of Everton’s setup since joining at the age of 12. This season, he has been a key figure for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s side.
Lukjanciks, who has committed his future to the Toffees until June 2027, spoke of his pride at signing the deal.
“I feel privileged and honoured to be given this contract,” he told evertonfc.com.
“I joined Everton as an Under-12 from a grassroots team, and the club has given me lots of opportunities to show what I can do, to learn and improve.
“It means a lot to me. I just want to keep improving, with my ultimate aim to one day become number one for Everton and England.”
Standing in Lukjanciks’ way is current Everton and England No.1 Jordan Pickford. The 30-year-old has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper since his £25 million move from Sunderland in 2017, making 263 appearances to date.
Pickford quickly cemented his place at international level, helping England’s Under-21s reach the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2017.
Just 18 games into his Everton career, he made his senior debut for the Three Lions, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against world champions Germany at Wembley.
Since then, Pickford has become England’s undisputed No.1, setting a record for the most England caps earned while at Everton with 71, nearly double the previous record held by Phil Jagielka.
Former Everton keeper Asmir Begovic recently praised the club’s depth in the goalkeeping department during an interview with the Liverpool Echo:
“We’ve got a good group with Jordan, Joao [Virginia], and a few youngsters coming through, although a couple are out on loan now. The goalkeeping department is first-class throughout the club. It’s just a pleasure to be part of it, doing all I can to help them progress even more.”
Lukjanciks is part of a promising generation of Everton goalkeepers, which includes Under-21s players Zan-Luk Leban, George Pickford, and Fraser Barnsley, as well as Under-18 teammate Goodness Gospel-Eze.
Speaking about his development, he said: “It’s a great opportunity to work with lads like Zan, Fraser, and George, who represent their countries at youth level and are really talented goalkeepers.
“You’re around them every day, and you learn. You pick up little bits here and there, and that’s the best way to develop your game. I feel like I’ve performed solidly this season and made a few saves that have helped the lads get some points. But there’s always room for improvement for everyone.”
Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, expressed confidence in Lukjanciks’ potential, saying:
“Douglass is a talented young goalkeeper with a lot of potential, and we are very pleased he has extended his stay with us at Everton.
“His attributes have been recognised by England at Under-18 level, and with the excellent coaches in our academy, along with the other fine keepers he can learn from, we are confident Douglass will continue progressing at the club.”
With his first professional contract secured and plenty of talent to develop alongside, Lukjanciks looks set to take the next steps in his promising career – with his ambitions firmly set on the top.