Why Everton offering Michael Keane a new deal is a sensible decision
According to Sky Sports, Everton centre-back Michael Keane has signed a new five-year deal with the Toffees to extend his stay at Goodison Park until the summer of 2025.
The 27-year-old had two years left to run on his previous contract but Everton moved quickly to secure his long-term future this summer after the England international impressed in his performances for Carlo Ancelotti’s brigade last term. (h/t Sky Sports)
Profile
Born in Stockport, Michael Keane rose through the youth ranks of Manchester United before making his senior debut for the Red Devils during the 2011-12 campaign.
The centre-back made only 5 first-team appearances for his boyhood club, spending time on loan at Leicester City, Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley before joining the latter on a permanent deal.
It was at Turf Moor that Keane established himself as a quality defender at the Premier League level, which paved the way for a £25million move to Everton in the summer of 2017.
Despite the frequent managerial changes at the club over the past three seasons, the 27-year-old has continued to feature as a regular starter for the Toffees, making 107 appearances across all competitions.
Keane had his fair share of struggles with injuries last season but enjoyed a strong end to the season, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in each of Everton’s last nine league fixtures following the restart.
Keane still has a lot to offer
In Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, Everton have a reliable and experienced first-choice central defensive pairing to rub shoulders with the Premier League’s big guns. Both have established themselves as the mainstays of the club’s backline over the past couple of seasons and Ancelotti should look to build his backline around them.
The Italian has already shown a lot of faith in Keane’s abilities, as evident from his regular involvement in the starting XI after the restart. Now that he has signed a new deal, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the centre-back to deliver on his true potential.
The 27-year-old England international remains one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
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Verdict
Michael Keane has been a key cog in Everton’s defence in recent years. He has somewhat filled the leadership void left by the departure of former skipper Phil Jagielka. The Toffees are expected to push for a return to Europe under Ancelotti and it goes without saying that the 27-year-old will be a key player for the club moving forward.
Having said that, a new deal for the centre-back can be seen as a statement of intent from Everton that their best players are not up for grabs in the market.
