Everton exodus begins as three players leave as free agents and Tom Davies decision made

The Everton squad is expected to undergo changes in this summer transfer window as the Toffees look to improve their squad quality by offloading players who are no longer part of the project and bringing in fresh faces that can be molded into Sean Dyche’s setup. Everton have released a list of players retained for the 2023-24 season and decisions have been made about Tom Davies, Seamus Coleman and others.

7 EFC players were in the final month of their contract and big decisions lied ahead for Kevin Thelwell and the club hierarchy. Seamus Coleman, Yerry Mina, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies, Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan had their deals expiring in the summer of 2023.

Just a few days before Everton’s final game of the season, a potential relegation decider against Bournemouth, the club announced that they’ll be triggering the one year extension clause in Doucoure’s contract, keeping him at Goodison Park till 2024. As a reward for the contract extension, the Malian scored the goal that kept EFC up in the Premier League.

Everton release three players as Tom Davies decision made

Decisions were yet to be made for other players. Prior to the Bournemouth game, Mina confirmed through social media that he would leave Everton and the tie against Cherries would be his last in the Royal Blue jersey. A few days ago, backup keeper Begovic confirmed that he would leave Everton as his deal expired at the end of this month.

Talks had already begun over extending captain Coleman’s deal at Goodison Park and Dyche has been in favour of having the Irishman beyond this season. Everton have now confirmed that new contract has been offered to Coleman. Along with Coleman, the club has also offered new deals to third keeper Lonergan and local lad Davies.

There have been plenty of question marks over Davies’ future and for now it looks like Everton want to keep the 24 year old at the club. EFC also confirmed that three players would leave as free agents: Mina, Begovic and Townsend. Townsend arrived in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer and was an important part of the side under former manager Rafa Benitez.

However, the Englishman picked up an injury in March 2022 that has now kept him out of football for over a year. Townsend did return to the grass in the last few weeks but his fitness wasn’t anywhere near the first team levels and still needed time. With his contract expiring and no signs of him being an option for the first team, EFC have decided to not offer him an extension.

New deals have also been offered to defenders Ryan Astley and Lewis Gibson. The Toffees also activated the option to extend the deals of Mackenzie Hunt and Jack Barrett. From the U-21 side, Isaac Price will leave after turning down a contract offer. Einar Iversen will also leave the club upon his contract expiry.

Will Tom Davies sign a new deal with EFC?