Sean Dyche must consider Everton stay for Conor Coady as transfer news emerges
Conor Coady is reportedly being monitored by newly-promoted Sheffield United, but Sean Dyche could still yet make a crucial decision regarding his Everton future.
Coady joined the club on a season-long loan last summer from Wolves and was one of the first names on the team sheet alongside James Tarkowski under Frank Lampard, but swiftly lost his place to Michael Keane since Dyche’s arrival.
Everton have an option to make the deal a permanent move for £4.5million this summer, but there is speculation of whether they will trigger this after falling out of favour in the first-team [iNews, 2 May].
However, the Toffees’ indecision could yet lead to a costly error by Dyche with Coady now picking up interest from elsewhere.
According to the Daily Mail [29 May], Shefffield United are closely monitoring his situation at Goodison Park but the 30-year-old prefers to remain in the north because of family reasons.
Sean Dyche admitted on 2 April that the centre-back’s future on Merseyside would be finalised when the club knew their fate for next season, but Everton could be caught napping by Sheffield United before they know it.
Now that the Toffees have secured their Premier League future, a decision will need to be made one of their most senior stars.
Coady’s defensive partner Yerry Mina is leaving Goodison Park this summer, Keane’s immediate future is uncertain despite Dyche’s preference to start him over Coady throughout his tenure, which means Everton may well be looking to strengthen their options at centre-back.
However, there are no guarantees the club may be able to secure any of their potential targets leaving Coady as the next best option, and it’s one Dyche must surely consider if he is to improve on Everton’s position next season.
The impressive Jarrad Branthwaite is returning from his loan-spell and could yet form a vital part of the Everton back-line next season, but he’d certainly need time to bed in.
Coady will not only provide quality and experience but also aid Branthwaite’s Premier League development too making the Wolves centre-back a smart piece of business should they make it permanent.
More crucially, when called upon this season, the England international has proven an invaluable commodity, even well before Dyche took the reins at Goodison Park in January.
The Toffees actually possessed the fourth-best defence in the bottom ten teams, despite their flirting with relegation and Coady has been a big part of that, helping the club to seven clean sheets, as well as winning 56% of his ground duels and 54% of his total duels in 24 appearances [SofaScore].
Coady also contributed a goal and an assist to the Everton cause, showcasing his much-needed influence when they need it most.
With the club likely facing some financial issues this summer, and no guarantees of strengthening their squad with big-money names, Dyche may have to consider spending the £4.5m to secure Coady’s permanent signing.