Braiden Graham's next step obvious amid announcement away from Everton
Braiden Graham's form for Everton Under-21s has not gone unnoticed.
The 19-year-old notched 12 goals and two assists in 18 matches for Paul Tait's side this season in an impressive campaign.
He has been rewarded for that with a call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for their friendlies with Guinea and France, which was announced on 27 May.
David Moyes needs to decide on the next steps for the promising talent, and there is an obvious conclusion to be made.
Graham needs to develop if he is to make the Everton squad, and there is only one way that is going to happen.
What should Everton do with Graham?
Everton did not sanction a loan for Graham in the winter transfer window, but they must change that stance now.
It is clear that he needs to be playing first-team football in the EFL or at an equivalent level to gain the required experience away from the Toffees.
| Graham's stats for Everton Under-21s | Premier League 2 |
| Matches | 18 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.55 |
| Chances created | 19 |
The new announcement away from the Blues should force their hand, and make him available for a first loan this summer.
Why is a loan the right move for Everton youngster?
Graham needs to learn the rigours of professional football if he is to develop into the player that the Blues want him to be.
Academy football is a world away from what he will face when he makes it into the senior set-up, and he needs to be sent away so that he is ready when his opportunity comes.
If he can thrive away from Everton, with a team in League One or League Two, then he may accelerate his path to Moyes' plans, and give the Toffees another attacking outlet.
Moyes said that he has a long way to go to get to the required level, so a loan switch to the third or fourth tier makes sense.
He may well need another loan afterwards in the Championship or a similar level, or he may be thrown in the deep end straight away.
One thing is for sure, he needs to be playing week in, week out, at a level that will serve to enhance his game, rather than just featuring for the academy, which is a level that he has already conquered.
Keeping him at Finch Farm next season would be the worst outcome possible, as he would not learn as much and it could stagnate his progress.