Everton: Vitalii Mykolenko contract extension to force Adam Aznou exit
Vitalii Mykolenko extending his stay at Everton could lead to consequences for Adam Aznou.
The Ukrainian left-back committed his future to the Blues, signing fresh terms that will keep him on Merseyside until 2029.
Aznou's situation is complicated, as he struggled to force his way into David Moyes' plans this season, but he has big potential.
The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona gem made just one first team appearances for the Toffees.
That was in the FA Cup penalty shootout loss to Sunderland, where he came on and won a penalty that was converted by James Garner.
His future looks set to come under the microscope, and the Mykolenko news could lead to drastic change.
Why Vitalii Mykolenko contract could force Adam Aznou exit
Aznou looks set to leave Everton this summer, but whether that is a loan or a permanent exit remains to be seen.
One thing is for sure, the Mykolenko extension surely seals an exit for the young Moroccan.
The flop will want to play regularly but the 54-cap international is clearly Moyes' preferred option and that does not look like changing anytime soon.
Why is Aznou in this situation at Everton?
If Mykolenko would have left at the end of his deal, that may have signalled that Moyes felt Aznou was ready for a promotion.
However, the Blues boss clearly still has concerns over his ability to step up to the top level of the game.
He has reportedly not impressed in training and lacks the physicality needed to thrive in the English game at the moment.
Of course, he could develop in the next few years, but the spot seems to be the 27-year-old's to lose for the foreseeable future.
A loan exit is probably the best outcome for all parties at this point, ideally to a Championship club, so that he can gain the physical abilities needed to play for the L3 outfit.
If he can't prove that he can kick on and reach the required level, then the Merseysiders have Mykolenko secured for another three years, so it is not a big deal.
The hope will be that he can, though, as they Friedkin Group can't afford to miss on many transfers, if they are to get the Blues back to where they belong.