Everton have now moved to keep Michael Keane on Merseyside.
The Everton No.5 was in an uncertain situation with his contract expiring at the end of the season, but after another hamstring setback for Jarrad Branthwaite, the Toffees have ensured the former Manchester United defender will stay.
Many presumed Everton had simply triggered the 12-month extension clause in Michael Keane‘s contract, but The Athletic believe this is actually a brand new deal involving improved terms as a reward for his contribution.
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Everton defender Michael Keane.
Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
Everton give Michael Keane “fresh terms” due to “progress and increased role”
It is said that the 33-year-old has actually penned a brand new deal involving fresh terms, suggesting a pay rise is included, to recognise his “progress and increased role” at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Many may have expected Keane to take a back seat this season, having made just 11 Premier League starts last term while having to fend off competition from James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien and Branthwaite.
However, the England international has actually made 24 Premier League starts this season as he surprisingly became a key cog for David Moyes.
Keane has contributed to Everton having the fourth-best defence in the entire division behind Arsenal, Manchester City and Crystal Palace, conceding just 39 goals in 33 Premier League games.
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“Fresh terms” strongly suggests that Everton have given Keane – who finds playing with Jordan Pickford “tough” – a pay rise. It does not refer to the length of the contract, as the official announcement states the extension only keeps him on until July 2027.
The man born in Stockport already earned £80,000-a-week on his previous terms, so as well as he has admittedly performed this season, we sincerely hope the potential pay rise is not too large.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley.
Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
With all due respect, £80,000-a-week is arguably more than Keane deserved in the first place, so a substantial rise on that sum would be a foolish move financially from The Friedkin Group.
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