Michael Keane makes Everton exit admission after new contract
Everton’s start to the season has received a mixed reaction from their supporters.
While remaining unbeaten at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the league campaign started with Everton suffering a 1-0 defeat against Leeds United.
Everton were then beaten by Wolves in the Carabao Cup in a clash where fans wanted to see more ambition in terms of team selection from David Moyes.
But the Toffees have been impressed with the performances of Michael Keane, who has slotted in perfectly for the injured Jarrad Branthwaite.
Keane was offered a one-year extension on his current deal to ensure Everton were not left short in defence.
Michael Keane was offered options to play elsewhere
Last summer was a chance for Everton to reset, with the Blues being forced to navigate PSR complications in recent seasons.
Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were just some of the names that were brought in to boost Moyes‘ side.
In addition to boosting the squad, Keane was offered a new contract to consolidate the current quality Everton have in the ranks.
But in an interview with the club’s official website, Keane admitted he had offers to leave Everton and play elsewhere.
He said: “Obviously, my contract had run down and I’d not played a lot of football, so the consideration of playing football somewhere else was definitely there, and I did have options.
“And eventually, the manager got in touch and just said he wanted to get something sorted.
“I just thought about it and thought: ‘I’ve been here for eight years, and I feel like I’ve still got a lot to give in the Premier League.’”
Keane made his move to Everton from Burnley in 2017 and has made 237 appearances for the club.
He has scored 16 goals for the Toffees and has played under eight permanent managers since arriving.
Michael Keane has given David Moyes a selection headache
With Branthwaite due to return to full fitness for Everton very soon, Moyes will be forced to choose whether Keane will continue to feature in the starting XI.
Last season, Branthwaite and James Tarkowski formed a solid back pair as both helped Everton to record the third-highest amount of clean sheets in the Premier League, eight.
On paper it would make sense to reunite the pair, but Moyes’ side could lose out if Keane is demoted to the bench.
| Michael Keane | 82.6% |
| James Tarkowski | 76.5% |
Everton have found joy by pushing the ball to Iliman Ndiaye, Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall.
By keeping Keane in the squad, this ensures a continued fluidity between the defence and midfield.
The 32-year-old has a wide range of passing, and his cross-field balls have allowed both Grealish and Ndiaye to drive the team into their opponents’ third.
While the reunification of Tarkowski and Branthwaite is an exciting prospect for Evertonians, Keane will no doubt stake his claim in the starting XI.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Everton news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews