Released Everton starlet joins top-flight club after summer transfer exit
BALA, WALES - 1ST MARCH 2024: General View at the JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference fixture between Bala Town and Connah's Quay Nomads at Maes Tegid, Bala. 1st of March, Bala, Wales (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Liam Higgins was released by Everton earlier this year, having spent at least six years within their academy.
The right-back joined the Toffees academy in December 2017 from Mold Alexandra when he was just 15. He played for the under-18s team as a first-year scholar, and at 17, he signed his first professional contract with them.
Everton background
He was a prominent member of their under-18s team and made 25 appearances for them. At under-23s level, he featured 20 times and scored three goals while also providing an assist.
For two years in a row, he signed a one-year contract extension to remain as an Everton player, but that came to an end this summer. He remained around Finch Farm, as he rehabilitated from an injury, but is now ready to play first-team football for the first time in his career.
Higgins is a two-time Wales under-19 international having made his debut in September 2021. He featured on the same team as Eddie Beach, Matthew Baker, and Charlie Savage who have gone on to become key members of the under-21s team which narrowly missed out on qualification for EURO 2025.
Higgins was on the bench for his new club but didn’t come on as they ran out 3-1 winners against Llanrhaeadr. Lassana Mendes scored a hat-trick with two goals in the last 12 minutes after Gruff Evans’ equaliser.
Bala Town’s replacement for Arsan?
The arrival of the Everton youngster could be seen as a replacement for Naim Arsan who left the club earlier this month. Arsan spent two seasons at Maes Tegid and claimed two Player of the Season awards during his time in Gwynedd.
In a Twitter post shared at the end of September, he said: “Such a hard decision to make but that is football for you. I have had an amazing two years at the club and achieved great things along the way with the stand out being winning the league cup.
“I want to thank everyone involved with the club from the chairman Nigel and David, Ruth, the committee, volunteers, management staff, players, and the supporters for your support during my time. You have all been truly amazing!”
