Isaac Price explains reasons behind Standard Liege transfer after rejecting Everton contract

Isaac Price will move to Standard Liege when his Everton contract expires this month. The Blues had offered the 19-year-old midfielder a new deal.

Isaac Price has explained why he is relishing the chance to develop at Standard Liege after deciding to leave Everton.

The 19-year-old has been at Everton since the age of seven and made three senior appearances. He made the move up to the first-team squad during Frank Lampard’s time in charge.

However, Price, whose contract is set to expire this month, will end his 12-year stay with the Blues after turning down the offer of a new contract in favour of a move to Belgium. The Northern Ireland international has agreed a deal that will see him remain at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium until June 2027.

Price has played for England and Northern Ireland at youth level and is also eligible for Germany. However, he made his senior Northern Ireland debut back in March in a Euro qualifying win over San Marino.

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And Price, speaking after Northern Ireland’s 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat against Kazakhstan on Monday night, believes the move to Liege will enhance his game.

The midfielder said: "I can’t wait to go over and get started. Hopefully, I can improve a lot more over there and in a different side of the game. It’s a lot more technical."

Price was one of six players from Everton’s first team and under-23 squad to leave the club this summer. Commentating on the exits, Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell said: "Everyone at the club wishes to thank all departing players for their contribution throughout their time at Everton.

"Many of them have developed through our Academy and given their all each time they’ve put on the royal blue shirt."

Before he added: “We wish all of them the best with the next chapters in their careers.

“We have also offered new contracts to players and we will continue talking with them as we look to build a competitive squad for Sean Dyche and his staff for the new season.”