Everton are planning a new contract for Vitaliy Mykolenko, but a Napoli bid in the summer might have thrown a spanner in the works.
Mykolenko has been Mr Reliable at Everton for the last four seasons, as he embarks on a big year with his contract expiring in June.
The Ukrainian has been the Toffees’ mainstay at left back, but the Friedkin Group and David Moyes will be assessing his future.
Future talks have been planned for Mykolenko, with the 26-year-old still looking like a key figure in the dressing room.
Well, news coming out of Ukraine has suggested that the defender had the opportunity to depart, as Mykolenko is weighing up all the options.
Vitaliy Mykolenko warming up for Everton.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Vitaliy Mykolenko doesn’t plan on Everton contract talks before January
Ukrainian journalist Igor Burbas has reported on BurBuzz that Napoli tabled a £26 million offer for Mykolenko in the summer.
Of course, it was swiftly rejected, with the club clearly valuing him at a higher price, but the left back didn’t want to depart either.
As mentioned, his current deal is up in June 2026, but there is an option for a one-year extension if needed.
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This is expected to be activated, but Burbas claims Mykolenko won’t seek any talks before January arrives, potentially indicating he’s keeping himself open for other opportunities.
After Moyes returned, Mykolenko has thrived at Everton, as there were signs of inconsistency under Sean Dyche.
The Serie A champions clearly fancy the defender as a target, which might indicate to Everton that the Ukrainian is more important to their plans than they think.
Vitaliy Mykolenko said he was ‘happy’ at Everton amid Napoli interest
A bid from a club like the Italian outfit would have no doubt been tempting for the left back, but it’s clear the Blues star only sees his future in one place.
Mykolenko is ‘happy’ at Everton, and it’s quite obvious that he is improving under Moyes’ regime.
Statistics Rank
Games played 35
Goal involvements 3
Chances created 24
Tackles won % 60.3%
Duels won per 90 4.44
Vitaliy Mykolenko’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics at Everton, as per FotMob
Obviously, recent injuries have put a dampener on what could be an exciting season for the full back, but it wasn’t helped that he was rushed back into the lineup.
Once he regains fitness after his recent setback with Ukraine, that left back spot will still have his name on it, as Mykolenko will surely be staying on for another season, whether it’s his choice or not.