Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are basking in excitement ahead of the new season following a flurry of arrivals at Goodison Park.
Their latest recruit is a 24-year-old centre-back, Michael Keane. The Englishman has joined the Toffees for a potential club record fee of £30m from Burnley – matching the sum that Everton paid Sunderland for the services of Jordan Pickford this summer.
It is believed that Ronald Koeman and Everton successfully thwarted the attempts of Manchester United, who tried to re-sign Keane this summer. The former Burnley defender has signed a five-year-contract with the club.
Since departing Manchester United in the summer of 2015, Keane has established himself as one of the most composed and competent English centre-halves.
He amassed 108 appearances for Burnley scoring seven goals, and proved to be an indispensable member of the squad that successfully gained promotion in 2015/16. Our landlord has decided to look at two consequences that could derive from his arrival on Merseyside…
A new centre-back pairing
Koeman will be forced to establish a new centre-back partnership following the arrival of Michael Keane. Due to Funes Mori’ s injury, Ashley Williams and Jagielka was the pairing used most frequently by the experienced Dutchman. Nevertheless, the arrival of Keane could bring a few difficult decisions regarding team selection.
Everton could have three different CB’s to couple with their new arrival, and while it may lead to a few dilemmas for their manager, it also provides the team with invaluable squad depth – a quality that ensures competition in the squad and enables Koeman to rotate when required to preserve players’ health and fitness.
Reduced role for Captain Jagielka
The arrival of Michael Keane could see Jagielka assuming a reduced role at Everton next season. At the age of 34, the Englishman is reaching the conclusion of his playing career, and while his legs may be regressing and his pace diminishing he could still play a significant role for Everton.
In an indistinguishable manner to John Terry’s role at Chelsea last season, the 34-year-old could still play a crucial part in Everton’s forthcoming season. Be that leading the team talks and motivating his teammates in the dressing room, or featuring in cup games and when called upon by manager Ronald Koeman. Phil Jagielka is rightly treasured at Everton, although Michael Keane’s summer switch could denote the beginning of the end as far as Jagielka’s career as a Toffee is concerned.
Do you agree with us? Let us know Everton fans!
