Vitalii Mykolenko has signed a new three-year contract with Everton.The Athletic reported last week that Mykolenko was close to agreeing a new deal, and Everton confirmed on Monday the Ukraine international has signed fresh terms which run until June 2029.The 27-year-old said he is “very excited and proud” to remain at the club, crediting Seamus Coleman — who leaves Everton this summer after 17 years — for making him feel a part of a “proper family”.“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,” Mykolenko told Everton’s in-house media. “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 and I have that here, so I’m really happy.”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.He 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.”The Athletic reported earlier this month that Everton are expected to hold talks with Idrissa Gueye to resolve his future, while they are expected to listen to offers for a host of fringe players, such as Dwight McNeil, Carlos Alcaraz and Nathan Patterson.‘New full-backs should still be a priority’Analysis by Everton correspondent Patrick BoylandMykolenko’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.