The centre back has become a trusted figure for David Moyes
Everton manager David Moyes reacts to Michael Keane of Everton at the end of the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
Everton manager David Moyes reacts to Michael Keane of Everton at the end of the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
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Michael Keane has signed a new deal with Everton, extending his stay with the Blues for a further 12 months.
The deal will take the centre back into a tenth season with the club since joining from Burnley in 2017.
The extension represents a remarkable turnaround for a player who, this time last year, appeared set to leave the club and was engaged in talks with other teams as his contract approached its end date. Everton, in turn, sought a replacement for the 33-year-old and reached advanced talks with Brighton defender Adam Webster before talks with Keane resumed.
The decision to stick with the former England international has since been vindicated, with Keane a valuable figure this season amid the injury issues suffered by Jarrad Branthwaite. He has already made 30 appearances this season and is likely to return to the back line following Branthwaite’s latest hamstring setback.
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Upon signing his new deal, Keane said: "The club means a lot. It's one of those things that's easy to say, but it has become part of me. It's who I am and it feels like family to me – the people around the club, the fans, the players, the staff. So it's really special to me and I couldn't really imagine my life without Everton.
"I think it's been a great season for me personally. I’ve played a lot of football – probably more than I expected – and I feel like I've done well and I’ve absolutely loved it. So to get my tenth year here, I think it's a big achievement and one I'm proud of.
"Ten years is a long time. I've seen a lot here and been through a lot and it's good now we're in a much better place than what we have been in the past. I go into my 10th season looking really positive, and thinking what we can achieve and where we can be is really exciting."
Keane has endured a rollercoaster career on Merseyside but had repeatedly proven his value to Everton managers. He has become a trusted figure in David Moyes’ dressing room.
The Blues boss welcomed his extension and said: “We're pleased to have extended Michael’s long service at Everton. He is an experienced and respected member of the squad, who knows the standards we expect at the club. Michael has been consistent all season and he’ll continue to be a valuable part of our squad going into next season.”