Everton FC joy for Braiden Graham as he signs first pro contract

Former Irish League starlet Braiden Graham is celebrating after signing his first professional contract with Everton.

The ex-Linfield youngster joined the Toffees' academy during the summer and has enjoyed a blistering start to life on Merseyside.

Graham - who made his Linfield debut at just 15 years of age - has scored eight goals in seven games for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s.

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The teen, who turned 17 this week, has put pen-to-paper on his first professional deal with the Blues - a three-year contract that will run until 2027. After committing his future to the Blues, he said: "It’s unreal. 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. All the boys have helped me to settle in really well. They were very welcoming and they’re good lads, so I think I’ve settled in very quickly.

“It’s such a big family club and everyone here made me feel very welcome. I just see a good pathway at this club for me to come through.”

Graham's development with Linfield captured the attention of the Blues and led to a pursuit that ended in success as he joined the club as a scholar.

The work to convince him to move to Merseyside saw Graham take his place among the tens of thousands in the stands at Goodison Park when Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stunning goal sealed Everton's survival against Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022/23 season.

He then made the move from Northern Ireland to Merseyside 12 months later and has started life at Finch Farm in stunning fashion, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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Following his electric start, director of football Kevin Thelwell said: “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.”

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