Despite an emphatic win over Arsenal, the equation still remains the same. From now until the end of the season, Everton are locked in a relegation battle, unless the Toffees turn into an invincible side and rack up solid performances one after the other. Whatever the outcome of this relegation scrap, Everton will have to start planning and assessing for the summer.
In case the Merseysiders do get relegated, there could be a potential fire sale. If they manage to stay up, Everton will have to strategize to create a squad that doesn’t fall into the same problem again.
Regardless of the outcome of the relegation battle, some of the senior members like Jordan Pickford have been mooted to leave Goodison Park in the summer as Tottenham Hotspur are searching for a Huge Lloris successor.
Everton also have decisions to make with some players who are in the final five months of their contract. There are a total of seven players who could leave Everton in the summer as their contracts run down at the end of the season.
Everton contracts expiring in the summer of 2023
1. Yerry Mina
Yerry Mina signed for the Toffees in 2018 and has been one of the highest paid players at the club, earning £120,000 per week. The Colombian cannot be adjudged as a successful signing because of his niggling issues that has kept him out of the team for extended periods of time. When fit, the 28 year old is one of the best defenders Everton have but Mina’s injury issues have made his presence in the team very sporadic.
2. Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure seemed to be headed for an exit, after falling down the pecking order under Frank Lampard. In fact, he was asked to train alone after a bust up with Lampard but the arrival of Sean Dyche has infused new life in Doucoure’s Everton career. The Malian was excellent against Arsenal and is now an important figure in Dyche’s system.
The Toffees have the option to trigger a one year extension and if both parties agree, Doucoure could end up staying at Everton beyond the summer of 2023.
3. Tom Davies
The local lad Tom Davies has had a turbulent career. After showing immense promise in his early years, the 24 year old has failed to settle under any manager that has taken over the reins at Goodison Park in recent times. He hasn’t nailed a starting spot and is largely seen as a squad rotational option. Even though he is on modest wages, there have been no indications over the Toffees offering him a new deal. As things stand, Davies would walk out as a free agent at the end of the season.
4. Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend arrived on a free transfer and was key personnel in Rafa Benitez’s team. His left foot rockets did see Goodison erupt on several occasions as his goal output was impressive. However, the Englishman picked up a cruciate ligament injury during the final stages of last season and has been sidelined since then.
His deal also expires in 2023 and is on the road to recovery. The 31 year old does have attributes that will suit well in Dyche’s system but there have been no indications if the Toffees are willing to renew Townsend’s contract.
5. Seamus Coleman
Captain and legend Seamus Coleman could possibly be playing his last season at Everton. The 34 year old has been at the club for over a decade and is a cult hero. The Irishman might not be the quickest of the full backs but his desire, passion and loyalty to the club is unprecedented. Even if he decides to hang up his boots at the end of the season, Everton would encourage to keep Coleman at the club in some capacity.
6. Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic arrived in the summer of 2021 as a free agent on a one year deal. His contract was extended for one more season last summer. The Bosnian has served as a backup to Pickford, making 10 appearances in two seasons. The 35 year old did attract interest from Al Nassr in January but a move was rejected. With Joao Virginia returning from his loan spell at the end of the season, the Merseysiders must decide whether to renew the veteran keeper or trust the young blood of Virginia in the backup role.
7. Andy Lonergan
Andy Lonergan was signed as the third choice keeper but hasn’t played a single game for Everton so far. The Blues extended Lonergan’s deal for one more season last summer but it is looking increasingly unlikely that the 39 year old will stay at Goodison Park beyond this season.
Which players will leave EFC at the end of the season?