Everton defender Michael Keane has revealed Carlo Ancelotti’s promise to play him in a different position, which he never followed up on at Goodison Park.
Keane has established a reputation for being an excellent striker of the ball, with a role as the Everton striker often being mooted.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Everton FC | 254 | 19 | 10 |
| Burnley FC | 108 | 7 | 5 |
| Manchester United U21 | 46 | 7 | 3 |
| Leicester City | 27 | 3 | – |
| Blackburn Rovers | 13 | 3 | – |
| TOTAL | 463 | 39 | 18 |
In the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Keane has provided three goals from the centre-back position under David Moyes.
The 33-year-old defender has returned an impressive 19 goals and 10 assists over the course of his career on Merseyside.
What changes would you make ahead of Monday night’s game? 🫣
However, there is one promise from former manager Ancelotti that the defender has admitted was never lived up to.
Carlo Ancelotti promised Michael Keane he’d play up front for Everton
Duncan Ferguson was so impressed with Keane earlier in the season for his goal against West Ham United.
The defender has built a real reputation for being able to find the back of the net, despite playing at the other end of the field.
How did Keane get sent off and Kenny Tete escaped even giving away a foul? 😤
Everton get refereed differently to other teams! 😡
Speaking on the Everton YouTube channel, Keane has revealed that Ancelotti promised him to play him up front during their time at Goodison Park.
“A lot of managers have said to me they will, I remember Carlo [Ancelotti] saying to me he will, play me striker before he leaves,” said Keane.
“Obviously, that didn’t happen. He left in the summer and Sean Dyche was the same. I’ve always thought I could do a job there. I know I can finish, but it’s a position that’s a lot harder than what people think.”
Moyes has even claimed Keane could become a manager once he hangs his boots up.
Amid Everton’s ongoing inconsistencies up front, having Keane as a potential option to provide a threat up front may prove to be a last resort option for Moyes.
Keane’s Everton role could be about to change again
Last time out, Keane was dropped back to the bench after Jarrad Branthwaite made his return in his natural centre-back spot alongside James Tarkowski.
Branthwaite had missed the first half of the season due to the injury he picked up over the summer.
Keane’s contract is set to expire in the summer, with Everton facing an interesting decision as to whether they take up another short-term deal.
Given Branthwaite’s injury record, Everton are going to need some security at the back over the summer.
Keane has been a solid servant for the club over the years, but he could now be playing into his final months at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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