Everton excited by 'Prolific' youth forward who was signed as 'parting gift' - report

Everton have been buoyed by the conclusion of a transfer for “prolific” young forward Braiden Graham from Linfield, according to The Athletic.

The news outlet reported on 12 July that the Toffees are excited by the signing of the 16-year-old, who was identified as a “parting gift” by departing head of academy recruitment Joel Waldron and his staff.

Having been raised playing his football in Northern Ireland, Graham burst onto the scene as Linfield’s youngest-ever first-team player, turning out at the age of just 15 years and 137 days.

The striker scored his first senior goal in Belfast last December and has already represented his nation up to Under-19 level.

Former national hero praises new Everton signing

As a Northern Irish attacking prospect, praise does not come much more credible than from David Healy.

The nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, former Premier League striker Healy was Graham’s manager at Linfield and said of the youngster: “He’s got all the tools, but we’ll not be getting carried away — he has got a long, tough road ahead of him.

“He’s brave, prowls around and is a deadly finisher.”

Described by Patrick Boyland as a “prolific, diminutive forward with smart movement”, Graham will now go into Everton’s academy setup at Finch Farm where he will ply his trade with the Under-18s and hopefully Under-21 side, currently unable to sign a professional contract until he turns 17 this November.

Graham has joined up with the academy squad on Merseyside along with an intake of 11 more first-year scholars at the club.

Sean Dyche has shown in the past he is willing to integrate youth into his first-team setup, an exciting incentive for Graham and his fellow young charges.

In other Everton news, a new Jarrad Branthwaite transfer update.

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