French left-back Lucas Digne has as expected signed a new deal at Everton keeping him at Goodison Park until 2025.
Digne’s new deal is the latest piece of positive news for Everton in what has so far been an excellent week for Evertonians.
After derby victory at Anfield came the news that Liverpool city council had endorsed the Toffees plans for a new stadium at Bramley-Moore dock and now perhaps the Blues best and most consistent player over the past three seasons, has committed his future to Everton.
I think Digne is the best all-round full-back in the Premier League. He’s solid defensively and a great attacking and creative force too contributing seventeen assists in the Premier League since he donned royal blue.
The French international has become an instant fan favourite since he joinied from Barcelona in the summer of 2018 with his consistent excellence and contributions to the team.
Now he has underlined his committment to making the Toffees a force again in English football and he will surely play a key part in that progression.
Obviously his decision to sign on the dotted line again is clearly a consequence of Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at Goodison Park in December 2019.
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There has been a sea-change in the outlook and expectations of the club, the players and the fans since the Italian took over after the latest failed attempt to revive the club under Marco Silva.
Results have improved considerably this season. And while there have been frustrating setbacks and I think there is still some way to go before the Blues will be a regular Champions League or genuine title contender, tangible progress is clear for all to see.
With Digne’s signing a new deal, hopefully other Toffees players might follow suit and also commit to a longer stay at Everton.
That might not mean penning a new long-term contract, but a player like Richarlison who has indicated he might look for pastures new if results don’t improve soon, could now think again.
The Brazilian has had a difficult season so far and has struggled to recreate the kind of impact he has had in the past two campaigns. But there are signs he is coming out of that slump with three goals in the past few weeks against Spurs and then Liverpool.
Now Digne has committed to the club and the Ancelotti project and with his return to form perhaps there is less chance of Richarlison seeking a move away. However, I do think that securing European football is a key step forward the Blues need to make this season to keep hold of such players and add further comparable talent.