New 3-year deal for Vitaliy Mykolenko: “We want to finish much higher”

Michael Kenrick 08/06/2026 68comments | Jump to last

After considerable uncertainty over his future, Everton have announced that Vitalii Mykolenko has signed a new contract, extending his stay on Merseyside until the end of June 2029.

The 27-year-old Ukrainian left-back, whose previous deal was set to enter its final year, put pen to paper on a fresh 3-year agreement to ward off reported summer interest from Premier League rivals.

Mykolenko arrived at Goodison Park from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2022 for an undisclosed fee. Since replacing Lucas Digne, he has established himself as a virtually unchallenged regular in the Blues' backline, racking up 157 appearances across four gruelling seasons that included navigating multiple high-stakes relegation battles.

Speaking to evertontv after signing the extension, Mykolenko reflected on his journey and the tight-knit culture at the club:

"I feel excited to sign this new contract – very excited and proud," he said. "I remember the first message I received from Seamus [Coleman] when I signed in 2022. He gave me that confidence immediately that I'm in a proper family here.

"In the first few years of my time here, we were struggling, but our team, as a family – every person in the building gave everything to get through it. What we have now is stronger and we are getting better every season. For me, it's most important to feel confident and feel comfortable in the environment."

While Mykolenko has sometimes divided opinion among the fan base due to a perceived lack of attacking output in the final third — registering just three assists in his Premier League career — his durability and defensive numbers are highly valued. The defender currently ranks among the Premier League's Top 10 for interceptions and completed tackles since his arrival.

He was quick to praise manager David Moyes for bringing stability back to the squad, hinting at higher ambitions now that Everton have completed a year in their new stadium.

"Since the manager came in, I think we are building up. He's a very good person, which is important for me and, as a manager, he gave me freedom on the pitch.

"Next season, we want to finish much higher. I like to have realistic dreams... winning a trophy or maybe a European trophy, as some other teams have done in the past few years.

"Individually, just to play every single game, and be consistent as Jimmy [Garner] was this season. That was a good example for me because of how brilliant and how consistent he's been. I like that and want to achieve it, too.”

With the club working hard to secure their first-team assets ahead of a busy transfer window, retaining a reliable, left-sided defender looks to be a sensible piece of early summer business.

Reader Comments (68)

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Andrew Merrick
1 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:05:32

Mykolenko signs 3-year deal...

So he's not up for replacement just yet.

Steve Brown
2 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:07:02

Very consistent player.

Equally bad going forward and defending.

Dave Lynch
3 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:21:16

Money saving exercise?

Ian Jones
4 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:26:06

We may to have to cut our cloth accordingly.

For me, he's a decent left-back.

Mark Ryan
5 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:26:29

That sums up our level of ambition. An average player signed up for 3 years. We should be moving him on to a Championship side. He can't even fill in anywhere else. He's a bang average full back who will not improve.

I knew we were in for a Summer of this sort of crap and this confirms it. Next will be Moyes. Moyes extends his stay until 2030… wtf!

Pete Hughes
6 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:26:59

Jesus fucking wept!

What next -- a new 3-year deal for McNeil?

Paul Kossoff
7 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:30:12

Vitalii, you want to finish higher? Call Sly and the family Stone, that's your only chance of you and the other lot of lazy bastards finishing higher.

But what do you care, you have just been rewarded for failure.

Sean Mitchell
8 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:37:26

Go away, Everton. I've seen more ambition in a fuckin slug.

Joke of a club.

Paul Kossoff
9 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:40:16

Michael, what's your slant on him signing?

In your post, you have not said anything negative on Everton giving him a 3-year contract.

Michael Kenrick
10 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:42:55

Me, negative?

You must have me mixed up with somebody else, Paul.

I am yer actual epitome of positivity, realism and perspective.

I was trying to work in an angle for him holding the unique honour of being Captain for a Day... but that stupid idea rather fell flat on its arse.

John Collins
11 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:44:28

That's me out.

Enjoy 12th place next season, lads and lasses.

Paul Kossoff
12 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:45:07

Sean 8. Is that a slug from a gun, a slug of gin or a slug in your garden? I gots ta know.

Odds on McNeil and Keane getting three year contracts?

Paul Kossoff
13 Posted 08/06/2026 at 15:48:09

Micheal, you are the actual epitome of positivity, realism and perspective?

I thought you were the three p’s: positivity, perspective… and pissed.😀

Dave Abrahams
14 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:00:42

I go along with Dave @ (3) keeping him on is the way to get some money for him with a quick transfer this summer.

Mind you, I'll miss him tackling with his right foot and his heading ability — good comic value!

John Collins
15 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:05:05

Not forgetting his wonderful crossing of a ball, Dave: 3 assists in near 140 games for us.

Remember the kid in your 12 years of age team who couldn't quite reach the far post with a corner, free kick or cross? That’s him.

Jay Harris
16 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:20:18

I’m okay with him as a squad player as long as we bring in a quality left-back as first choice.

It was interesting that in the Ukraine game yesterday it seemed like all his teammates were reluctant to pass to him even when he was in yards of space.

He also got completely lost for Denmark’s first goal as Dorgu gave him the runaround.

Paul Hewitt
17 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:21:48

He's a decent defender. Doubt anyone has marked Salah better in the Premier League.

Plus his only two managers have been Dyche and Moyes. They would make the world's best left-back look crap.

Mike Gaynes
18 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:24:21

I'm totally fine with this. Of course we're going to need a much better attacking left-back at some point, but at the moment we have many higher priorities.

He's a true blue, almost never misses a game, limited in skills but certainly not in heart. And the new contract preserves his market value if we do choose to sell him next year, so it's an investment with a good likely return.

Christy Ring
19 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:42:25

He said the manager gave him freedom on the pitch… that's the problem.

He's being caught out a few times this season at the near post, letting the ball pass him by. I do think he's a good defender, but limited going forward, and his crossing is poor, but we had to give him a new contract.

I do think we need another left-back, because Moyes has no belief in Aznou.

Andrew Ellams
20 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:46:07

Definitely a cheaper option than buying a new one this.

We may yet see another left-back come in but I doubt anybody wants to be splashing out on two.

Steve Brown
21 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:47:59

Mykolenko thinks you need a passport to enter the opposition's half.

John Collins
22 Posted 08/06/2026 at 16:52:31

Mike 18,

I am also limited in skills and can absolutely guarantee I am a truer Blue and got a bigger Blue heart. Shall I bring my boots to Finch Farm?

Mike Gaynes
23 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:05:04

Agreed, Andrew #20, and if we hadn't signed him, we'd have had to sell him this summer at a discount or risk losing him on a free next year.

This seems a sensible financial move.

Jim Bennings
24 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:10:34

The ambitions we have shown since the season ended must have the teams above us fretting scared.

Alan J Thompson
25 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:10:42

I don't have a problem with this as he is a player that puts in the elwhich quite a few on here say is missing from a lot of our play and as for his crossing being poor, crossing to whom?

When we start getting men into the opponent’s penalty area or a centre-forward who knows how to make a run into the box to meet a cross, then his crossing might not appear so poor.

Still, sort out our left back problem with not creating enough scoring chances and Europe here we come, eh!

Jim Bennings
26 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:11:57

I'm gonna make my bet now that the starting back 5 in August will be the exact same as the one that ended that last 7 games of last season.

I shit you not.

Ian Bennett
27 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:14:12

He needs selling.

Never going to be good enough.

Rob Hooton
28 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:18:05

Don't see an issue with this, it's protecting an asset (no matter your thoughts on his ability) and allows us to focus on other areas for now.

Aznou ‘might' start getting some game time next season; Mykolenko is an honest player and works hard.

John Collins
29 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:26:10

"And as for his crossing being poor, crossing to whom?"

Usually the near post defender or the far corner flag.

Andy Meighan
30 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:29:08

Paul 17.

I doubt if anyone has marked Salah as well.

He didnt do that good a job, he always manages to notch against us.

Giving this very very limited footballer a 3-year contract just shows me and plenty of others that whoever is running the football side of things really haven't got a clue.

This has just confirmed to me that we are in for a season of trouble next season.

And still no sign of a right-back... it's an insult and we are being taken for mugs.

Alan J Thompson
31 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:30:10

Does it matter if we have nobody anywhere to be found, or are you suggesting that you know where they are?

John Collins
32 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:36:39

Andy.

Salah is joint top scorer in Liverpool’s Premier League games v Everton… alongside Gerrard.

Paul Clements
33 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:43:30

Good back-up and competition to a new left-back we'll hopefully get. He's definitely got his faults but for certain games could be effective.

Put it this way: if he had a right foot, would O'Brien start ahead of him? I think not!

If he walked for free when we'd likely get our money back on him, everyone would shout 'bad management!' He's certainly not the future but it's right to protect the asset.

Tony Hughes
34 Posted 08/06/2026 at 17:53:53

Stage 1 of dampened ambitions complete.

Raymond Fox
35 Posted 08/06/2026 at 18:17:16

He's okay. I would like another a little better but it protects the club from letting him go for nothing.

Patterson has another season left before his contract is up, so play him or sell him.

John Collins
36 Posted 08/06/2026 at 18:19:15

Stage 2 of same will follow shortly, Tony.

To his supporters: Who do you consider less of a player than Mykolenko amongst left-backs in the Premier League?

Dave Abrahams
37 Posted 08/06/2026 at 18:34:23

Paul (17),

When Everton beat Liverpool 2-0 a couple of seasons ago, Mykolenko marked Salah in the first half and had a decent game against him, then went off injured at half time.

Ashley Young, getting on a bit, came on and Salah did nothing against him, and Ashley wasn't 62 but quite close to 40!

By the way, Paul, Mykolenko played under Benitez as well.

Mike Gaynes
38 Posted 08/06/2026 at 19:06:29

Dave, yep, you're right... Mykolenko played one game under Rafa, a 2-1 defeat at Norwich. Rafa was sacked the next day.

John #36, I'll give you three off the top of my head... Udogie, Mitchell and Hugo No Bueno. (Although No Bueno is now relegated.)

Andy #30, look at it from the straight financial point of view. If we've given him a £2M-a-year raise and preserved his €20M value in the transfer market for next summer, isn't that an obvious bit of business?

Jim #26, I'll take that bet.

Sean Kelly
39 Posted 08/06/2026 at 19:32:08

Mike #38,

If Mykoleno had done nothing else in the last 3 years, we can thank him for not playing his proper part in getting the Fat Spanish Waiter the sack.

Mike Gaynes
40 Posted 08/06/2026 at 19:35:32

Yeah, Sean, but it was too late.

The nasty bastard had already run off Luca Digne. That was a crippler.

Martin Berry
41 Posted 08/06/2026 at 19:55:01

I think Mykolenko has suffered a bit from not having a settled winger in front of him to form a proper partnership.

Hopefully, that will be sorted by the start of next season.

Phil Roberts
42 Posted 08/06/2026 at 20:46:33

Have we not signed anyone yet?

This is just typical Everton. Going to leave it until the last minute of August.

Nicolas Piñon
43 Posted 08/06/2026 at 20:49:34

Another three years of mediocrity.

Bill Hawker
44 Posted 08/06/2026 at 20:51:59

Welp. So much for a new left-back coming in.

I really don't understand this club sometimes. 26 years and I'm still trying to figure it out.

Kunal Desai
45 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:06:34

Might as well go the whole hog and sort out an extension for McNeil as well.

Keane, Mykolenko and McNeil signed up for next season. Definitely one to get the juices flowing.

Rob Dolby
46 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:14:15

I hope this is more of a business move than a long term footballing one.

It makes sense to extend his contract in the hope of moving him on in 12 months time for a few bob.

Tony Abrahams
47 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:16:06

It's been that long since we won anything that it seems like cup games no longer count for a large part of the fanbase, as well as the players and manager, Mike @38.

Dave Abrahams
48 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:31:06

Mike (38)

I was also right about the Liverpool game when Ashley Young took over from Mykolenko and kept Salah under control -- the same Young who you sarcastically called a 62-year-old.

It is the same Mykolenko who you described, more than once, as the best defensive left-back in the Premier League.

Of course it's all about opinions and we are all entitled to them.

Paul Hewitt
49 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:47:39

What are we supposed to do?

Just let Mykolenko leave for nothing?

Martin Reppion
50 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:49:09

I don't know why some people would moan with no grasp of the facts. We haven't signed anyone yet... The transfer window doesn't open until 15 June.

We are short of 3 full backs. 1 left and 2 right. That is based on Seamus going, Paterson not being good enough, and Aznou probably not yet ready. We've just secured the one that we have got rather than lose him on a free. Good business which does not stop us recruiting another.

If come August we haven't strengthened across the team considerably, then I'll come on here and join in the negativity. Until then, I'll wait and hope that the players we can recruit improve both the starting eleven and the squad depth.

I am not expecting us to be fishing in the same pond as the Champions League clubs as many on here seem to think we can. But if we see some signs of improvement, then that will be a step in the right direction.

Michael Kenrick
51 Posted 08/06/2026 at 21:49:17

Phil,

Have we not signed anyone yet?

I don't think we will sign anyone before the transfer window opens, Phil.

And that does not happen for another week, then you can set the clock running.

Andy Meighan
52 Posted 08/06/2026 at 23:07:46

John @32.

Says it all.

Mark Taylor
53 Posted 08/06/2026 at 23:13:29

He's just about okay as a back-up... but boy, is he a severely limited footballer. We talk about preserving his value but the only people I can think who'd buy him would be a newly promoted side, and they won't be spending £20M on a 28-year-old severely limited player.

We have to keep our powder dry and see what else we buy but if he remains our only specialist left-back, assuming Aznou is not in the frame. That pretty much frames our ambition for next year. Basically, as limited as the player is.

Jack Convery
54 Posted 08/06/2026 at 23:19:28

That's Keane, Tarks, Branthwaite and now Myko that have been given contract extensions. I now expect the club to offer extensions to McNeil, Tim and Beto, whose contracts run out next summer. I think we should expect some of the youngsters, to be loaned out, with Patterson and N'Diaye being sold. The unknown one, will be Gueye. Will they offer him another 1 year extension or let him go ? He will be coming off a World Cup campaign and will be 37 next September.

We can only hope, Branthwaite stays fit next season, as the defence without him, was all over the place.

Pickford signed a new contract last October taking him to 2029. I noted Transfer Market have his value at £13m, what is that all about ?

On the back of the Myko news, I can only surmise, the Moyesiah is in line for a contract extension too. A couple more years maybe. AArrgghhhh.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
55 Posted 08/06/2026 at 00:16:13

My hope for the summer is McNeil is sold, Patterson gets quality time at the World Cup to inflate his price and is sold, Tim is sold for more than he's worth because he's young enough, and somehow someone takes Barry off our hands for £15m. I'd actually re-sign Beto as a squad player for the next few years.

Then we sign a right-back, of course, 2-3 wingers, and a new striker. Armstrong needs to stay and play, as does Rohl. Dibling and Aznou either play or get loaned out.

But none of this changes the fact that re-signing Mykolenko, for all of his limitations, was the right move, whether he starts or not. He's terrible offensively, but just solid enough to keep him on and preserve his value, at least for one more season.

Eric Myles
56 Posted 09/06/2026 at 03:33:58

At least he provides some stability.

John Collins
57 Posted 09/06/2026 at 05:29:11

Mike 39.

So we have given the third-worst left-back in the Premier League a 3-year contract?

The Mitchell from Palace?

Ian Jones
58 Posted 09/06/2026 at 07:34:55

Just adding that Mykolenko has played under Frank Lampard too...

I also remember Mykolenko keeping Salah quiet in a few matches. Salah has scored plenty against us over the years and all these goals won't have been because of Mykolenko.

Salah has also scored goals against many if not all the Premier League teams, many against much more accomplished left backs than Mykolenko.

Mick O\\\'Malley
59 Posted 09/06/2026 at 08:00:35

To be honest, I'm okay with this.

I'm more interested in getting a right-back in so Jake O'Brien can move to centre-back and replace one of the disastrous duo of Tarkowski and Keane.

I want us to improve the offensive side of the team, we don't score enough goals so I'm more interested in us signing a right winger who can chip in with goals. I don't want to see McNiel out there ever again.

As has been pointed out, the transfer window doesn't open for another week so I'm not to bothered about the lack of news on transfers.

Jack Convery
60 Posted 09/06/2026 at 08:03:07

I see Trippier and Fulham's Jimenez are going to Wolves. I can hear the Moyesiah uttering "Damn. I wanted them". Combined age of 70. Right up his street.

Orel Mangala may leave Lyon, He played in 14 games for Lyon last season after his ACL injury with us. Bologna are supposedly after him.

If his knee is fixed he could be a bargain for the defensive midfield position as cover next season. Valued at £9M. He knows us and we know him. He is, the wrong side of 30 though, being 28.

Sean Mitchell
61 Posted 09/06/2026 at 08:24:15

Paul #12,

In the garden. He is trying to leave the garden, and is still more ambitious than our club. He has my respect.

Frankie McGrath
62 Posted 09/06/2026 at 09:18:52

Loan Dibling to recover from his forced inactivity, sign Tyrique George (the only skilled and properly attacking player) and play him as a starter (there will be some hiccups but the good will outweigh the bad).

Sell Ndiaye for big money only (ie, c £70M) and then use that money to fix the defence and then spend the balance and a bit more on a decent striker.

Sell Barry. Keep Beto as a bench player. I'd like to see Aznou get more time too. I'm okay with Mykolenko for now, though long term we need a better left-back.

Si Cooper
63 Posted 09/06/2026 at 09:46:20

Meh.. but we do need a squad of players rather than just 11.

Ryan Holroyd
64 Posted 09/06/2026 at 10:21:26

He is rubbish at going forward, semi decent defender, incredibly average.

Sums the club up really.

Ajay Gopal
65 Posted 09/06/2026 at 11:06:07

While this contract extension does not set the pulse racing, Mykolenko is a solid defender and his experience will be valuable as Everton strengthen the squad in other areas of higher priority.

And people forget the role that 3 of the most reviled Everton defenders played in the comeback goal against Crystal Palace in May 2022.

Dele Alli wins a free kick inside the Crystal Palace half. Mykolenko floats his free kick into the penalty area, which Holgate somehow twists his body and gets his header into the path of Michael Keane, who takes a touch and strikes a sweet volley into the bottom left corner. Gooaaaaalllll!

And the rest is history...

John Davies
66 Posted 09/06/2026 at 11:17:14

Ajay. Even a blind squirrel finds the occasional nut.

John Collins
67 Posted 09/06/2026 at 11:27:38

Experience... Stability... Good back-up, etc? \ r

He's fuckin hopeless and has been since he got here.

Soren Moyer
68 Posted 10/06/2026 at 13:01:05

The never-ending cycle of mediocrity! Welcome to EFC!

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