As the season rolls on, and the January transfer window comes and inevitably goes, the heads of the board, of Steve Walsh, and of Sam Allardyce turn to the offseason. More specifically, which Evertonians are on expiring contracts, and who seems likely to stay on Merseyside come next season. This article will be breaking down which players are on expiring deals, and how likely their departure seems to be.
Aaron Lennon
Lennon is a winger that has found new life under Sam Allardyce, and has been one of very few options that Everton have had bombing down the flanks. while perhaps not the most naturally gifted player, his high intensity and scrappy eye for the ball has made him valuable so far this season, often making him stand out in contrast to a very static Everton side. While Lennon has reportedly drawn offers from Burnley and even Leeds United in the Championship, his 50,000 pound a week salary is manageable and Everton are likely to try to tie him down for the next couple years on a similar deal if at all possible. While a move for the 30 year old Lennon might tempt Walsh and company, selling one of a very precious few wingers seems decidedly unwise at this point, even with the likes of Vlasic and Lookman in the squad.
Likelihood to stay: 3.5/5
Phil Jagielka
A staple at Everton football club and someone who is loved by fans, Phil has been a constant for Everton on the backline exuding class and stepping up whenever his name is called, captaining the team with pride. At times this season he has looked a staple of the backline, proving to be clever, highly skilled, and frustrating to even the paciest of attackers. However, Jagielka is 35 and at times has shown his age tiring quickly, looking slow in moments, and overall looking quite like a concrete block in the middle. Even with the backline spread paper thin, Everton might be reluctant to bring him back one more year, as his legs go out over time. But do not be surprised if the club picks up his second year and gives Jags one last ride for 2018-2019, a club centrepiece for the last decade.
Likelihood to stay: 2.5/5
Joel Robles
Joel, Everton’s starting goalkeeper much of last season is an extremely solid shot-stopper, and one that Everton seemed very reluctant to let go of in the offseason. However, rumour mill seems to be that the shot-stopper will be on his way out the door, as he continues to warm the benches at Goodison. While a quality player, he will not be in the side over Pickford anytime soon, and that should mean a departure in the coming months.
Likelihood to stay: 1/5
Everton U23s:
Jack Kiersey
One of the many starlets on the youth team, Kiersey, a central midfielder, played a role on the U18 team this season and is a promising piece at central midfielder. He signed the new deal last offseason, but expect to see him sign long term as an integral part of the club, as the U18s player of the year. At a weak midfield position, look for Kiersey to make an impact in the coming years.
Jose Baxter
An interesting case, Jose Baxter, and someone who is presumably on his third and final lifeline at the Everton U23s after a career derailed by injuries and than a year long drug ban. He has been around the football league, with teams like Sheffield United, and has made 13 appearances for the squad, 2 of which he has been in the starting 11. Baxter’s return after this year looks highly in doubt, as he has not made the kind of impact needed to really nail down a spot amongst the budding youngsters, look for ties to more than likely be severed to the 25 year old midfielder.
Antony Evans
Another attacking midfielder, Evans signed scholarship forms with the club in the summer of 2015, and went on to enjoy quite a good season with the U18s, before transitioning to the U23s in 16/17, there he spent half a season until he was loaned out to Morecambe, where he scored 2 goals in 14 appearances. Look for Evans to be resigned, but more than likely on a long term loan, as the youngster will struggle to find a spot amongst the many attacking mids in the U23s.
David Henen
A supremely talented winger in the Everton youth squad, Henen is a key young cog in the club. However , discontented with playing time, new rumours coming out have the young winger wanting to leave on loan, or permanently, to a Belgian or even championship side where he can showcase his talents. At a position where the blues are not extremely deep, but young and quite talented with Vlasic, Lookman, and Bolasie all options in the fold, expect the club to sell or loan as soon as this month.
Steven Kinsella
An Irish international and another left winger, Kinsella has not made an appearance with the club, but has for the Republic of Ireland youth squads. Loaned to Dundalk Fc in Ireland at the beginning of the year, he has now returned to the U18s, where he should see good playing time as a very promising piece. However, another loan move to start next season will be highly likely for Kinsella, as the blues look to get experience for the young winger/striker.
Daniel Bramall
The 19 year old Scottish International, a right-winger who signed scholarship forms with the team in 2014, has not yet made an appearance for the club. He is a relative unknown sitting on the bench for the U23s at this time, however, his call up seems to insinuate that the Blues will try to keep him around inside the club as he develops.
Calum Dyson
Perhaps the most talented player in the squad, Dyson has been vital for the U23s, where he finished joint leader in goals and assists, despite being on loan at Grimsby Town. For his trouble, he was also awarded Grimby’s young player of the year award, and has seen success in nearly every ventue he has faced, With young strikers a rarity in today’s game, look for Dyson to be resigned to a long term deal.
Shane Lavery
An Irish international, Lavery has frequented the youth squads, both U18s and U21s, and has featured at Portadown and Glenavon. the 19 year old central forward has seen some success in the Irish youth squads as well as the club’s youth teams. However as a relative unknown commodity, his most likely next step seems to be a loan spell.
With the blues looking to add depth at positions like left back, striker and winger, the club has already put in motion selling players such as Ross Barkley, with Oumar Niasse not far behind him being linked to the likes of Crystal Palace and West Brom. Expect more selling now and in the summer, as the Toffees fund players such as Cenk Tosun, and other hopeful targets The January window will go a long way in determining the fate of many expiring contracts, as the club looks to prioritise quality over depth.
-Jacob Ritchie
Up the Toffees!
Sign a left back!!!!!
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