Everton facing Demi Akarakiri exit as Cagliari target free transfer

Everton are facing the prospect of losing highly-rated youngster Demi Akarakiri after contract negotiations stalled, with Serie A side Cagliari ready to take advantage of the situation.

The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the more promising talents in Everton's academy system, but reports from Italy suggest his future on Merseyside is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Akarakiri joined Everton from Arsenal in 2024 and has continued his development through the club's youth ranks. However, discussions over a professional contract have reportedly failed to produce a breakthrough.

Italian reports claim Cagliari have identified Akarakiri as a priority target and are actively exploring a move.

The speculation intensified after Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini recently hinted that the club were close to signing a young player from the Premier League.

Speaking earlier this week, Giulini said: "A 19-year-old from the Premier League certainly isn't coming to Italy to play for the Primavera, he wants to stay in the first team."

While he did not reveal the player's identity, reports in Italy now suggest Akarakiri is the footballer in question.

Cagliari believe they have a genuine opportunity to secure the midfielder because Everton have yet to finalise an agreement over a new deal.

According to reports, Everton first approached Akarakiri regarding a professional contract earlier in 2026.

Despite initial discussions, negotiations have dragged on and no final agreement has been reached.

That uncertainty has alerted clubs across Europe, with Cagliari moving quickly to position themselves as a potential destination.

The midfielder featured ten times for Everton's Under-21 side during the 2025/26 season and also made 12 appearances for the Under-18s. Across his two years at the club, he has steadily progressed through the academy structure and earned recognition as a player with significant potential.

Losing Akarakiri would represent a frustrating setback given the investment already made in his progression following his move from Arsenal.

However, it remains too early to conclude that an exit is inevitable.

One of Cagliari's strongest selling points appears to be their promise of a pathway towards senior football.

The Sardinian club are reportedly offering Akarakiri the opportunity to compete for regular Serie A minutes rather than continue exclusively in youth football.

With Michael Folorunsho expected to return to Napoli this summer, Cagliari are searching for midfield reinforcements and view Akarakiri as a player capable of filling part of that void.

The club's recent track record may also prove attractive.

Players such as Elia Caprile, Adam Obert, Marco Palestra and Gianluca Gaetano have all developed significantly during their time at Cagliari, helping establish a reputation for nurturing young talent.

Under manager Fabio Pisacane, the club have also developed a clearer tactical identity, which contributed to a comfortable 14th-place finish in Serie A last season.

Everton still have time to reach an agreement with Akarakiri and retain one of their promising academy talents, but the longer negotiations continue without progress, the greater the opportunity for Cagliari to strengthen their position.

The coming weeks could prove decisive as both clubs attempt to convince the midfielder where his long-term future should lie.

Should Everton do everything possible to keep Demi Akarakiri, or would a move to Serie A be the best step for his development?