Season › 2024-25 › News Academy prospect Braiden Graham signs first pro deal Lyndon Lloyd 08/11/2024 7comments | Jump to last Braiden Graham, the hugely promising teenage striker Everton initially signed from Linfield over the summer, has now agreed a three-year professional contract with the Club. The Northern Ireland Under-19 international has made an electric start to life in the Blues's Finch Farm academy, scoring eight goals in seven games for the Under-18s. “It’s unreal," Graham said evertonfc.com about his first pro deal. "It’s something I’ve always worked for since being a kid. All those years – the hard work and sacrifices – it’s been rewarded. “I knew before I came to Everton that I’d have to hit the ground running because the best players will do that. Since I arrived, I’ve wanted to play well, score goals and help the team – and I think I’ve been doing that.” Article continues below video content Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, expressed his pleasure at signing the 17-year-old forward, saying: “We were delighted to bring Braiden to Everton in the summer, amid a lot of competition from other clubs for his signature, and it’s a move that has benefitted both him and the Club. “He’s been excellent so far this season. His goal record is very impressive, and he’s shown a great attitude for learning. “Braiden’s game has developed working with our talented coaches, and he can see a clear pathway that offers him a great chance to progress at Everton.” Reader Comments (7) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Mike Hayes 1 Posted 08/11/2024 at 18:19:29 Good luck to the lad and fingers crossed he gets into the first team. Derek Knox 2 Posted 08/11/2024 at 18:41:34 Yes, good to hear we are still signing promising talent. Hopefully he makes it, many don't ever get near the first team. James Flynn 3 Posted 08/11/2024 at 20:12:01 A couple of looks at him:Link Alan McGuffog 4 Posted 08/11/2024 at 20:25:41 Looks good and here's hoping. I remember Martin Murray though. Dave Abrahams 5 Posted 08/11/2024 at 20:27:18 On another Everton website some fans are worried about his size and if he will grow in the next couple of years. I just hope his talent increases I've seen enough footballers throughout the years to know if your good enough you're big enough.I think that flicked goal in James's link shows the kid has a bit of cockiness about him that shows he is confident in his ability. Tim Greeley 6 Posted 10/11/2024 at 01:17:02 He's not nearly as odious looking a ginger as Ratfuck Gordon, I will give him that. All the best (…scrolls back to top of article to remember his name) young Braiden, sir – do us proud! Peter Fearon 7 Posted 10/11/2024 at 17:16:31 This would be good news but for the fact that there is zero chance Dyche will even consider giving him even a cameo. Same with Martin Sherif. Meanwhile Calvert-Lewin has developed Maupayitis, Beto is confined to sub appearances, others are injured but would probably not get a look-in anyway. Maybe some future Everton manager who isn't so frustratingly allergic to attacking football… Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb