Everton: Michael Keane looks set for transfer with Sean Dyche stance clear
Michael Keane’s future at Everton appears uncertain, with several factors pointing towards a likely departure in the summer.
Despite his contract running until 2025, Keane has not featured in senior games since 30 December, signalling a lack of faith from Sean Dyche.
This season, he’s made just four Premier League starts and two of them have been in August which is not a good thing for any professional player.
While he recently played for the Under-21s and even scored, this indicates where Dyche sees his current level of performance.
Despite being named on the bench for matchday squads, the 31-year-old has not been given any minutes on the field, suggesting a diminishing role within the team.
Keane has struggled at Everton this season
Statistically, Keane’s performance metrics also raise concerns.
His low averages of tackles (0.92 per 90 minutes) and blocks (1.05 per 90 minutes) position him poorly compared to other centre-backs in the top five European leagues.
According to Fbref, 90 per cent of centre-backs in Europe’s top leagues make more tackles than him while 70 per cent make more blocks.
What is the most alarming of all is his pass accuracy of 72 per cent, which ranks him among the bottom 2 per cent of central defenders in Europe.
Everton need to raise money through transfers
At 31 years old, Keane is not getting any younger, and the Toffees may look to offload him in the upcoming transfer window to rejuvenate the squad and potentially recoup some value before his contract expires.
He’s even had injury worries a few months ago and that’s another factor that could see the club making a sale.
His disappointing performance in the Merseyside Derby further indicates he may be finished at the top level and is not someone needed in the first team at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, Alan Shearer has been left knocked off his feet as unseen footage emerges of a Toffees star v Brighton.
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