Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Thu 2 April 2026 10:40, UK

Michael Keane may have effectively signed his own exit warrant amid an admission made on Everton‘s possible summer transfer plans.

The Toffees are very much in the battle for a European spot as they sit eighth in the Premier League table with seven matches to go.

David Moyes‘ side have a huge clash against seventh-place Brentford upon their return to action in a little over a week’s time.

At this stage, anything less than a place in the Conference League at the very least would be considered a disappointment by many.

And should European football return to the blue half of Merseyside, it could lead to some exciting transfer plans for Everton.

Everton qualifying for Europe could lead to exciting transfer business

If Moyes achieves his mission in taking Everton back into Europe, he will be financially backed by the Friedkin Group.

A recent report suggested Everton are set for a ‘transformative summer’ if they have European football to look forward to.

Michael Keane’s Everton record this season:

And speaking on The Blue Room podcast this week, Keane said he can see some quality additions being added over the summer.

“I think we’d definitely be good enough [in the Europa League], ” he said. “And especially if we’ve got Europe this summer, [the owners will] bring more quality players in.

“We could definitely give that a good go, yeah.”

Keane has been a key part of Everton’s impressive season to date, filling in admirably across Jarrad Branthwaite’s lengthy absence.

However, when both are fit, Branthwaite and James Tarkowski are Moyes’ favoured pairing, which will likely be the case next season.

And assuming another quality centre-back pairing is targeted in the summer, Keane would be further down the pecking order.

That is the brutal reality of a club moving to the next stage, in that some of those who helped get them there fall by the wayside.

Which new centre-back have Everton been linked with?

Expect the transfer speculation to seriously ramp up in the coming weeks, especially if Everton remain on this current trajectory.

There is now talk of John Stones being a target for the Toffees, which would be an emotional return to Merseyside for the defender.

Stones is in a different phase of his career now, of course, but he would still be a superb option at the back for Moyes.

Keane will know full well where his standing is – or will be – come the start of next season, depending on what Everton have to look forward to.

For now, all the 33-year-old can do is take his opportunities when they arise, as he has been doing admirably all campaign.