Former Everton midfielder Tom Davies has returned to his boyhood club to train with the Toffees’ under-21 side.Davies left Goodison Park in the summer of 2023 after a 13-year stint, making 179 first-team appearances and scoring seven goals in all competitions.Davies was one of the most exciting young prospects in English football in 2017GETTYHe made his debut for the Blues in April 2016 at the age of 17 under Roberto Martinez.Just two years later, he became the Merseyside outfit’s youngest player to captain a side in a Carabao Cup tie against Rotherham.Davies established himself as a fan favourite under Ronald Koeman, taking on the title as the squad’s ‘local lad’ following the departure of Ross Barkley to Chelsea.The 28-year-old has now temporarily gone back to Everton to train with the academy set-up in order to maintain his fitness while searching for a new club for the upcoming season.The midfielder’s form dropped after playing under a succession of managers at Goodison Park.He ultimately declined a new contract offer and joined newly-promoted Premier League side Sheffield United in 2023; however, he was released following the conclusion of last season.Everton said in a statement on Monday: “Academy graduate Tom Davies has taken up an offer by Everton to train with the Blues’ Under-21s while he looks for a new club.“The 28-year-old midfielder is a free agent after leaving Sheffield United at the end of last season and was keen to use his experience to support the Under-21s while building fitness for the 2026/27 campaign.Davies’ departure from Sheffield UnitedDavies struggled with numerous injury problems during his time with the Blades, making just 23 appearances and scoring one goal over a three-year period.The South Yorkshire outfit even sent him to Germany to receive specialist treatment on a persistent calf issue.View Tweet: https://x.com/EvertonAcademy?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwDavies was unable to find his form despite dropping to a division below his usual levelGettyDuring the 2025/26 season, Davies was included in the matchday squad just 13 times as he failed to complete a full 90 minutes across the entire campaign.He made his final appearance for the club during a ten-minute cameo against Swansea.In April 2026, Sheffield United confirmed his departure, with the ex-Everton man releasing a statement on Instagram about his future.He said: “I want to let the fans know that, following open and respectful conversations, Sheffield United and I have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of this season.“It has been a genuine honour to represent this club, this city, and our supporters. Over the past three years, I’ve appreciated the backing I’ve had from the fans and the friendships I’ve built with teammates, which I will carry with me long beyond my time here.“Looking ahead, I feel like I’m in a really good place. I am fully fit, healthy, and ready to take on a new challenge. I’ll be using the off-season to put in the work with my personal team to ensure I’m in the best possible shape for whatever comes next.Davies remains a much-loved character amongst the Everton crowd despite his departure“I’m hungry and motivated for the next challenge. I know there’s a lot more to come from me, and I’m looking forward to giving my all in the next chapter.”Davies’ history with EvertonDavies progressed through the youth ranks at Everton having joined the club at the age of 11.He became a first-year scholar ahead of the 2014/15 season and was promoted to the under-21s at the end of that campaign.He signed his first professional contract with Everton in September 2015.Prior to his senior breakthrough, he won the Premier League 2 title with Everton’s under-23 side during the 2016/17 season.View Tweet: https://t.co/qqALZAPy9N