Everton’s story spanned 13 years. The towering midfielder has completed his move away from Goodison Park this summer. Sheffield Wednesday believe he can provide them with goals from midfield.
Tyler Onyango has signed for Sheffield Wednesday on a three-year deal after leaving Everton as a free agent. For a player who began his career with the Toffees, it’s a significant new chapter. Onyango could still add goals from midfield for Sheffield Wednesday. Onyango began life at Everton back in 2011 when he joined their academy at the age of eight. The 23-year-old left-back spent over a decade with the Merseyside club before leaving as a free agent.
From Everton Academy Dream to First-Team Reality
The midfielder towers over his rivals at 6ft 5in tall. He has played both midfield and defensive positions during his career so far. That shows he has the technical ability to match his physical attributes.
His first taste of senior football came with his debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last January. Onyango then made his Premier League debut later that year, coming on as a substitute against Manchester City. Those came few and far between, but showed Everton had a youth player capable of breaking into the first team.
Loans Became the Route to Regular Football
Securing a regular spot in the Everton starting line-up is a different matter altogether though. With few opportunities at Goodison Park, Onyango instead went on loan to gain some valuable senior experience. Burton Albion and Forest Green were two of the League clubs he joined on loan. He spent time with League One side Stockport County too, helping him to further his development.
Those loan spells helped Onyango gain experience of English football’s physicality and pace. According to Everton’s official record, he went on to make four appearances in the Premier League, along with his debut against Wednesday in the FA Cup. Those numbers aren’t bad for a player who joined Everton’s academy as a young boy. But they don’t reflect the promise that Everton saw when he was a teenager.
Sheffield Wednesday See More Than a Free Transfer
Now he hopes to change that. Wednesday have handed Onyango a three-year deal as he completes his move from Everton. It’s more than just a move to another club for the Kenyan international. Wednesday see a player who can add goals from midfield and more than a bit about him after his trial period.
According to credible analysts and reports by AXN, Onyango played well enough for Wednesday during pre-season to earn himself a deal. He was apparently Man of the Match in Wednesday’s friendly against Oldham Athletic. There won’t be any more friendlies now. Instead of loans and short-term contracts, Onyango has a club willing to offer him a longer-term opportunity to prove himself.
A Chance to Silence the Doubters
Week-in, week-out football is something he likely knows he needs if he’s to kickstart his career. In that respect, there could be added pressure on his shoulders. But Wednesday also offers him a chance. The chance to leave his loan-heavy spell behind him. The chance to play regularly once again. And prove that the Everton academy graduate still has what it takes to cut it.
It’s not just Wednesday fans that will be keeping an eye on Onyango this season. Kenya fans may also have their eyes on Hillsborough too. Onyango was born in England to a Kenyan father and English mother. That makes him eligible to play for Harambee Stars should he ever decide to do so.
He has represented England at youth level before. But, having not yet made his senior debut for the Three Lions, the door remains open should he choose to represent Kenya.
Onyango’s International Future
If he can nail down a spot in the Sheffield Wednesday starting XI, Kenya will have a compelling case to try and get Onyango into their squad. Especially if he’s scoring goals. Regular football is what tends to get players into international squads these days. Players who can prove they’re playing week in, week out at a high level. Thursday could be Onyango’s chance. Not just to kickstart his career, but to kickstart something with Kenya too.
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