View: Everton have new contract priority as youth star in contention for Premier League accolade

Everton youngster Braiden Graham will only see the hype increase in the coming months.

The Northern Irishman has been regularly touted for a first-team berth after his impressive form at youth level.

He has notched 21 goals and three assists in 31 matches for the academy sides this season, which has seen him be nominated for a prestigious accolade.

The Toffees gem is in contention for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season, alongside teammate George Pickford.

Everton needs to get his future sorted as soon as possible, as he will surely be the subject of interest.

What is Graham’s contract situation at Everton?

Graham’s contract at Everton expires in 2027, so it should be a new priority for the Friedkin Group and the club’s leadership, especially after he was nominated for the award.

They need to sort fresh terms for the 18-year-old before other clubs take notice of the situation and try to tempt him to leave Finch Farm.

It would be a disaster to lose such a talent, especially if he were to run down his contract to depart on a free transfer.

Will Graham make a first-team appearance this season?

Graham is still far away from a first-team berth under David Moyes, due to a lack of physicality and the manager’s unwillingness to put his faith in youth.

Moyes has all but confirmed that the academy starlet will not be handed his chance before the end of the current campaign is over.

Speaking in April ahead of the 2-1 loss to West Ham, the Scotsman said: “Everybody wants good young players to come through, and I’m pleased that Braiden’s doing well. I think he’s got a bit to go before he’s at our level.

“I am really pleased, and if he does that, he will get more noticed and probably get more chances of being seen in pre-season than he would do now.”

It would not be any harm to put Graham on the bench for the remaining games and give him a few minutes from the bench at the end of the games if they are already over.

If he feels like there is no chance of a breakthrough anytime soon, surely, he will look for a move, and not sign a new deal with the Blues, so they need to show him that he has a future in L3.

If he wins the award, it will only increase the potential interest in his services, and could tempt a Premier League rival into trying to convince him to depart.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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