Michael Keane currently stands to leave Everton on a free transfer this summer – but the centre-back is making a solid case to be offered another year.
Keane was back in Everton’s starting XI at the weekend, playing next to Jake O’Brien, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski both unavailable through injury.
Does Michael Keane deserve a new contract at Everton? 😬
He is currently set to become a free agent in the summer… 👋
His involvement has decreased in 2026 as a result of Branthwaite’s return to the picture.
But it seems he will need to be managed carefully after his serious hamstring injury, and that could mean we do see Michael Keane a bit more than anticipated.
And that will only give him more chances to impress, and earn the new contract that he currently looks likely to be offered.
Everton may have no choice but to offer Michael Keane a new contract
Last summer, a lot of players left Everton and at one point, it looked like Keane would be a part of the exodus.
But news then came through that he’d extended for another year.
Not everyone agreed with that decision, but it’s one that quickly became vindicated.
Because Keane was tremendous for Everton in the first half of the current season, offering up superb consistency next to Tarkowski, who he regularly outshone.
And actually, even since Branthwaite came back from injury, Keane has still done well when called upon.
Against Arsenal on Saturday, the best team in the league this season, Keane was a titan at the back, making a whopping 16 defensive actions (via Sofascore). He also, of course, made a crucial clearance off the line.
Keane also used the ball well against the Gunners, completing 26/30 (87%) passes.
And of course this season, Keane has again provided a threat at the other end, chipping in with three goals.
His overall consistency is reflected by WhoScored’s average player ratings, with Keane ranking fourth in the whole Everton squad so far.
It is unclear whether talks have commenced with Keane about a new contract.
If talks haven’t started, then it feels like they will soon.
Keane wants Everton stay
Keane commented on his Everton future recently, and it’s clear the defender, 33, would be open to extending his stay.
Still feeling he has plenty to offer, he said: “I’m really happy with how I’ve performed. I still feel like I’m in my twenties. I train well every day, I feel physically really good.
“We do sprints every week and I know I’m not getting any slower. I don’t feel like I’ve ever been a player that’s relied on my pace. So, I know I’ve got a lot to give and I’ve got a lot of years left. Hopefully I can be here for as long as possible.”
Everton fans recently gave a mixed view on the notion of Keane extending, via our own TalkingPoints hub.
If Keane can produce a few more strong performances, there should be no reason why Everton don’t offer him a one-year extension.
It should be more than that, but it cannot harm to keep a player of his experience around for one more year.
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