Ex-youngster Jose Baxter joins on one-year contract
Everton will take former youngster Jose Baxter on a twelve-month contract when his drug ban runs out in June.
The 24-year-old left Everton in 2012 and went onto Oldham, before moving to Sheffield United in 2013.
Everton have offered Jose Baxter a 12 month deal at the club. Will begin after his drug ban ends. Extremely strange news this evening. #EFC pic.twitter.com/USnFIzlwnU
— Read Everton (@ReadEverton) January 26, 2017
Baxter tested positive for traces of cocaine in February last year and was told to serve a one-year ban for drug usage.
Now, he has been offered another chance by Everton and will join up with the club in pre-season in preparation for the 2017/18 season.
Baxter will go into David Unsworth’s U23’s setup and could even move up to the first team if he was to impress Ronald Koeman.
Bill Kenwright is said to be instrumental in bringing Baxter back to the club, having heard of the players troubles.
The chairman then reached out to the player and even offered him a formal contract.
Upon hearing the news, Baxter explained:
Not many people get a second chance, and here I am with a third.
Speaking on the deal, Unsworth explained:
As soon as he comes through the gates of Finch Farm in July, he will be treated like an under-23’s player.