Harry Diamond 04/09/2026 5comments  |  Jump to last

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

David Moyes has cast doubt on Braiden Graham offering an alternative to Thierno Barry this season.

Everton's incompetent end to the transfer window has left Moyes with one senior forward in his squad for the coming months, following Beto's move to Fiorentina and the collapse of a deal for Folarin Balogun.

Braiden Graham has been named as a potential option to deputise for Barry if required. The 18-year-old was the youngest player nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last season, after he scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 18 games for the Toffees’ U21s. 

The former Linfield forward has a prolific record at youth level and was involved with the seniors during the pre-season campaign.

However, Moyes has cast doubt on Graham being a viable option. He said he doesn't 'think' Graham is a centre-forward and outlined the jump between U21 and first-team football.

"I don’t think he’s a striker, first of all. He’s probably someone who would play off the sides for us," Moyes said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Manchester United this weekend.

"I like Braiden, he’s trained with us quite a lot and he was in pre-season with us.

"He’s certainly moving in the right direction. It would be a difficult ask for any young player to come in and be a source for goals.

"We’ve got some academy players who will obviously get involved. Are they ready to make the step up? I’m not sure about that. We will see how that goes. Some of them might be pushed in."

 

Reader Comments (5)

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Dale Self
1 Posted 04/09/2026 at 15:16:35
Hey David West, mate, do I collect on that?

50 points maaan.
Sean Mitchell
2 Posted 04/09/2026 at 15:16:52
You won't have a choice in January when the usual injury crisis occurs and our shithouse owners won't spend any money.
Alan J Thompson
3 Posted 04/09/2026 at 15:18:35
It's not (or shouldn't be) difficult to ask a young player to come in and score goals but it might be difficult to actually score goals, as has been demonstrated by the seniors.

But he likes Braiden, probably because he also had red hair.
Si Pulford
4 Posted 04/09/2026 at 15:20:16
What's he meant to do here? Say ‘Graham will walk into this team and score goals. He's 100% ready…' Moyes is taking the pressure off and rightly so.

And I agree with him. I don't think Graham is near being ready to lead the line in the Premier League. Could be an interesting option off the bench.

Comparisons to Rooney are wild. First, Rooney was one of the best players England's ever seen, and second, he was a bull. By 16, he was a man physically.

Braiden is nowhere near the stature. We need to be cautious and introduce him slowly. He's obviously a good player with every chance of making it but Moyes is 100% right to pour cold water here. He's got no choice.
Ian Burns
5 Posted 04/09/2026 at 15:22:33
Si - 4 - agree with every word. Sensible post.

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