With Dominic Calvert-Lewin announcing his departure from the club after failing to accept new terms that were offered over a year ago, today should see resolution of outstanding contract situations with Michael Keane and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
It’s been over a month now since a contract extension for Everton’s vital midfield workhorse Idrissa Gana Gueye was rumoured to be on the verge of being agreed. But it was leaked that the club were only offering a 1-year extension, while the player himself was looking for the security that 2 years more would offer. Perhaps resolution will come today as his existing contract expires.
There’s been less talk about Michael Keane, arguably one of the longer-serving members of the current playing staff, although last season his role was substantially reduced to filling in from the bench when needed; he only made only 2 starts in the Premier League since early November.
Keane’s current contract expires today and last month, the defender said he had no idea whether he will remain with the club next season. “I don’t know, honestly. I’ve not had any conversations about it yet” — that was Keane speaking at the end of May.
For a number of fans, the mistakes he is prone to in crucial defensive moments have shaded the benefits offered by an experienced performer who has popped up at key moments to score important goals for Everton with some excellent finishes that would do some strikers proud. But his Everton future seems shrouded in uncertainty at the moment — uncertainty that we might see resolved today.
Contracts have also been offered to a number of U21 players, including Callum Bates, Eli Campbell, Coby Ebere, Jack Patterson, as well as the following young scholars who have been playing for the U18s: George Finney, Harvey Foster, Luca Davis, Aled Thomas, and Josh van Schoor.