Graham Sets Next Target At Everton

Braiden Graham has revealed his next target in his bid to break into Everton's Men's team – as the young talent prepares to make his senior international debut for Northern Ireland.

The 18-year-old forward enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for the Club's Under-21s, registering 31 goal involvements (26 goals, five assists) and picking up the Under-21s' Player of the Season award.

Graham's progress has caught the eye of Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill, with the teenager called into his senior squad for upcoming friendlies against Guinea in Spain (Thursday 4 June, 5pm BST), followed by France in Lille on Monday 8 June (8.10pm BST).

Graham is no stranger to making a step up, having become the youngest player to make a first-team appearance for Irish Premiership side Linfield at the age of 15 years and 137 days.

Moving to Everton in July 2024 – and signing his maiden professional deal four months later – the striker is determined to progress with the Blues after being included in David Moyes' matchday squad for the victory at Nottingham Forest in December.

“I’ve had a good season and enjoyed it – scoring goals and playing well – and I’m really happy to receive the Under-21s Player of the Season award,” Graham told evertontv.

“I’ve been working hard on different parts of my game – on and off the pitch – so I’m happy I’ve kicked on this season and done well.

“I’ll keep working hard in the off-season and then come back and hope to have a good pre-season and kick on – maybe go on loan or stay here.”

 

Graham scored plenty of eye-catching goals in 2025/26 and was a regular feature in the Club's Goal of the Season shortlist.

That included a cheeky chip over the Tottenham Under-21s goalkeeper in a 2-0 win in January. But when asked for his favourite, the Irishman went for his dramatic injury-time leveller in the FA Youth Cup tie with Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which paved the way for a 4-2 extra-time victory.

"It would have to be equaliser in the Youth Cup against Ipswich," Graham added. "It was in the 96th minute and we thought we were going out and I've been able to cut in and whip one in so that's definitely my favourite."