Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko has signed a new three-year contract with the club. The 27-year-old Ukraine international has committed to the Toffees until June 2029. Mykolenko has established himself as Everton's first-choice left-back since joining the club from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2022. He started 33 of Everton's 38 Premier League matches in the 2025-26 season, helping his side to a 13th-placed finish. Mykolenko has made 158 appearances for the club, and been a regular part of David Moyes' backline since the former Manchester United manager joined the club in January 2025. Mykolenko described Moyes as a 'very good person' and outlined his hopes of 'winning a trophy or maybe a European trophy' with the Merseyside club. 'It's been a good journey for me so far and now I think we are taking steps in the right direction to get higher and higher in the table,' he said. 'Next season, we want to finish much higher.' Mykolenko's extension is unlikely to capture the imagination of Everton fans. Ultimately, the Ukrainian is a solid but limited defender in a side that needs more from its full backs. Between them, Mykolenko and first choice right-back Jake O'Brien, a central defender by trade, managed just two Premier League assists this season, and the lack of attacking prowess from deep regularly hindered Everton's play. Put simply, new full back options should be a priority for manager Moyes and the recruitment staff this summer. Mykolenko, though, is often at his best when attempting to shut down the league's best attackers, like Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. And a new deal makes sense for depth purposes, provided Everton can bring in someone who can compete for his left-back berth. The idea last summer was that youngster Adam Aznou could be that player. He may still be one day, but the Morocco international, an initial £8million signing from Bayern Munich, has yet to feature in a league game since joining and may well be sent on loan next season. Everton are in the market for a new right-back. But a player on the other side should be on their agenda too if they want to progress.