Everton's club captain, Seamus Coleman, has signed a new one-year contract to prolong his career with the Toffees, marking his 17th year with Everton. The contract will allow him to be part of the Everton team that opens up the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Irish international, who will turn 37 in October, has struggled to stay fit over his last few years with the club, as Everton have failed to find a long-term solution to take Coleman's spot at right back. He has only played in 40 matches over the last three seasons, with the bulk of those (23) coming in 2022/23.
The fitness issues and Everton's inability to replace him have compounded the club's lack of options at right back, as 39-year-old Ashley Young, the only outfield player older than Coleman, was the main solution to the problem over the last two seasons.
That is not Coleman's fault, but it is a credit to the player that he has been willing to stay as part of the project, even as Everton have faced relegation battles, PSR-related points deductions, and poor ownership.
Coleman is obviously a beloved figure at the club and for the fans, as he epitomizes what it means to be an Evertonian. He was able to start the final match at Goodison Park, although it was a short cameo that saw him sprint down the tunnel, knowing he'd done all he could for the club.
And now, he'll help lead the team to its new home on Bramley Moore Dock, and while he won't be a major part of the team because of his age and continued issues with fitness, but the hope will be that he can be a leader for the new players that Everton bring in as the squad changes throughout the summer.
David Moyes may have said it best:
David Moyes on the importance of Seamus Coleman as we move into a new era... 💙
— Everton (@Everton) June 27, 2025