Harambee Stars prospect returns to Everton after injury blow at Stockport

Tyler Onyango. ©Stockport County

Harambee Stars prospect returns to Everton after injury blow at Stockport

Festus Chuma 11:26 - 09.01.2025

England-born Kenyan midfielder has returned from his loan spell after sustaining a hamstring injury, now focusing on rehabilitation.

England-born Kenyan youngster Tyler Onyango has returned to his parent club after an early end to his loan spell at Stockport County due to a hamstring injury. 

The 21-year-old defender-cum-midfielder will now focus on recovery under the watchful eye of his parent club’s medical team.

Onyango impressed during his stint at Stockport County, making ten appearances and excelling as part of the club’s defensive setup. 

Reflecting his impact, the club noted how frequently he featured on the right side of their back three.

 However, his loan spell, initially planned for the entirety of the 2024/25 season, was cut short after the injury setback.

"#EFCU21 midfielder Tyler Onyango has returned from his loan spell with Stockport County after sustaining a hamstring injury," Everton announced in a statement.

Onyango joined Everton’s academy at the age of eight and has grown through its ranks, showcasing remarkable talent. 

His journey took him from the youth teams to making his senior debut at just 17 years old during an FA Cup fourth-round clash against Sheffield Wednesday in January 2021. Since then, he has made four senior team appearances for his parent club.

The injury disrupts what had been a steady rise for Onyango, whose loan spells have been instrumental in developing his game.

Prior to Stockport, he had successful stints at Burton Albion and Forest Green Rovers, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in competitive environments.

Despite this setback, Onyango’s potential remains undoubted. A versatile player, he has demonstrated his ability to excel in various positions, including central midfield and central defense. His physicality, tactical understanding, and adaptability make him a unique asset.

On the international stage, Onyango’s dual eligibility has been a subject of discussion among football enthusiasts. 

Born to a Kenyan father and an English mother, Onyango is eligible to play for both nations. While he has represented England at the U17 level, he remains eligible for the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars.

In 2022, Onyango was invited by then-Kenyan coach Engin Firat to represent Harambee Stars in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

However, he turned down the call-up, a decision that sparked debate about his international allegiance. 

Fans and pundits continue to speculate on whether he will ultimately choose Kenya or remain in contention for future England squads.

For now, Onyango’s focus will be on his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, Everton’s training facility, where he will work with the club’s medical team to ensure a full recovery.

 His return comes at a crucial time as Everton aims to assess his long-term potential within the squad.

Stockport County manager Dave Challinor praised Onyango’s contributions during his time at the club.

 "Tyler was a great addition to the squad, and we saw his quality in every game he played. It’s unfortunate that his time with us has ended this way, but we wish him a speedy recovery."