Vitalii Mykolenko finds himself with an uncertain future at Everton.
The Ukraine international sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and while Everton do hold an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, it remains to be seen if The Friedkin Group opt to trigger that clause.
One saving grace for Vitalii Mykolenko is the fact he is the only recognised senior left-back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for David Moyes to call upon, with Adam Aznou yet to play in the Premier League this season.
However, the Glaswegian made a suggestion which should worry the Ukrainian in his press conference on Friday.
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David Moyes hints he is ready to go without a natural left-back
Mykolenko missed the 1-1 draw at Brighton with a minor injury, which gave Jarrad Branthwaite the chance to make his first Premier League start of the season on the left of defence.
Moyes was pleased with the England international, telling reporters on Friday: “We’re pleased with Jarrad. I thought he played ever so well last week. We have to keep an eye on him and keep looking after him at the moment because he’s only just back, but it’s great to have him back.”
The Everton boss also said he “would do it again” when asked whether the use of a central defender at left-back is something fans can get used to.
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It should act as a wake-up call for Mykolenko, in our view.
Should Branthwaite be given the nod at left-back once again this Saturday at Fulham and impress, Moyes might opt to leave him there for the remainder of the season.
That would give Mykolenko even less time to prove he is worthy of a contract extension, and he has already arguably wasted the first half of the campaign with zero goals or assists in 20 ineffective Premier League appearances.
Everton cannot justify keeping Vitalii Mykolenko solely to be a backup
Some fans may argue that Everton should trigger the option to keep Mykolenko for another 12 months even if Branthwaite does nick his spot.
However, that would not be a wise financial decision.
According to Capology, Mykolenko is believed to receive £58,000-a-week at Everton, which actually makes him one of the highest earners at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Mykolenko is out of contract at the end of the season, would you let him leave on a free transfer?
Everton's Vitali Mykolenko.
The Everton No.16 is arguably not even justifying that salary when starting every week, so if he does slip behind Branthwaite in the left-back department, The Friedkin Group really ought to let him go.
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