David Moyes update on Vitalii Mykolenko could prove bad news for Everton
David Moyes has shared an update on Vitalii Mykolenko’s contract situation at Everton.
The Ukraine left-back’s deal was set to expire in the summer, but there was supposedly a clause for the club to extend by a further year.
Reports have suggested that they would take up that option and keep him at the Hill Dickinson for the new season.
Moyes’ update confirms that they intend to keep him around, rather than allowing him to leave on a free transfer.
Everton fans will not want to hear that, it is bad news, as he lacks a fundamental aspect that a modern full-back requires.
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What did Moyes say about Mykolenko contract?
Moyes has previously hinted at a contract extension for the Everton star, and it seems that it is only a matter of time before an agreement is reached.
Speaking in his press conference on 22 May ahead of the clash with Tottenham, he said: “I think we’re very close to something with Myko, yeah.”
| Everton’s expiring contracts | |
| Seamus Coleman | Leaving |
| Idrissa Gueye | In talks |
| Vitalii Mykolenko | In talks |
The update does not provide much encouragement for Blues supporters because many want him to be upgraded on in the transfer window.
A later report from Fabrizio Romano states that the defender has signed a new contract that will run until 2029.
Why is it bad news for Everton?
Mykolenko has played 32 times in the Premier League this season, but has recorded no goals and just one assist, per Sofascore.
He has created one big chance and completed 22 per cent of his crossing attempts, which are simply dismal attacking figures.
The Ukrainian has helped Moyes’ side keep a total of nine clean sheets, making 1.5 tackles per game, 3.3 ball recoveries per game and 4.4 clearances per game.
| Mykolenko’s stats for Everton | |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Cross accuracy | 22% |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 3.3 |
| Clearances per game | 4.4 |
| Ground duels won | 51% |
| Aerial duels won | 58% |
In terms of duels, he has won 51 per cent on the ground and 58 per cent in the air, which are solid numbers.
However, the lack of attacking returns is not good enough for a modern full-back, so the contract update from the Scotsman is not good news for the Toffees, it is the opposite.
They could get an upgrade with better insticts going forward, who is just as defensively solid as the 26-year-old, but it appears they are willing to stick with the 52-cap international ace.
Whether they still move for a player in the position in the summer window remains to be seen, but the likelihood is that they do not, as Mykolenko looks to be staying.
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