Michael Keane will stay at Everton for another year | OneFootball

Michael Keane has signed a new deal with Everton, that will keep him at the club until June 2026. The centre-back will spend a ninth season with the Blues despite his previous contract running out at the end of last month.

Keane, who arrived on Merseyside from Burnley in 2017, has made 230 appearances for the Blues – 197 of them in the Premier League. He has also scored 16 goals during that period and earned 9 of his 12 England caps while playing at Goodison Park.

“I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here,” Keane told the club website after extending his contract.

“The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton.

“We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans.

“We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there are a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

The 32-year-old made 18 appearances across all competitions last season and played a supporting role to the usual protagonists in defence James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. He is likely to continue in that role next season.

Branthwaite, along with club captain Seamus Coleman, also signed a new deal with the club. Idrissa Gana Gueye, whose deal with the club has also run out, is also expected to sign a new deal in the near future.

Reader Comments (126)

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Kevin Molloy 1 Posted 04/07/2025 at 14:58:35

We've all been there with Michael Keane and his lapses. But we are needing to replace ten players this year Its' too many, we have to have some continuity, so a back up player that already knows the place backwards, it makes sense to cut this deal (and Jack H). And I think he will improve under Moyes. Centre backs always do.

Rob Halligan 2 Posted 04/07/2025 at 15:12:49

Keane has obviously been told by Moyes that he will not be a regular starter, apart from maybe the early rounds of the Carabao Cup. He’s been a “Free Agent “ for three days, so could have gone anywhere, but as Ray says the most likely destination would probably have been any of the promoted teams which he probably never fancied.

Danny O'Neill 3 Posted 04/07/2025 at 17:26:10

Newcastle on the last day of the season Dave. He took 3 defenders out of the game, because they were so bothered by him, leaving Alcaraz free to nod it in.

He took his goal at Fulham really well.

For all his faults, I like him. And he will score goals.

Mike Gaynes 4 Posted 04/07/2025 at 18:02:22

Michael Keane has just signed.

Danny O'Neill 5 Posted 04/07/2025 at 18:09:51

Yes Si. It's on the club official website. One-year deal.

Ryan Holroyd 6 Posted 04/07/2025 at 18:35:40

One year deal for Keane plus an option for a second. Makes even more sense to keep him. Financially at least.

Matthew Johnson 7 Posted 04/07/2025 at 19:32:31

I'm not unhappy with this, he's a solid backup player, and can score the odd important goal.

James Marshall 8 Posted 04/07/2025 at 19:39:23

This is good news. Remember we're going to be without Tarkowski for a while at the start of the season so Keane will likely play.

Dave Abrahams 9 Posted 04/07/2025 at 19:55:18

James (5),

“This is good news”?

The bad news is “Keane will likely play”

Kevin Naylor 10 Posted 04/07/2025 at 19:56:59

Ultimate professional who never moans when not selected and gives his all when he is.

Has his faults but always gives 100%.

James Marshall 11 Posted 04/07/2025 at 19:58:33

Dave, I don't mind Keane.

He's had some stinkers but he's had equally as many good games for us which I think people often overlook.

Danny O'Neill 12 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:00:01

Dave, you've got me smiling. You know we feel similar about Keane. Apart from the odd great goal and good performance, he mostly worries me.

Would I have wanted it? Probably not, but I thought weeks ago, this could happen, so it is expected.

My son hasn't mentioned it to me, nor me to him. He's worse than me. When he sees his name on the team sheet or his number come up on the sub's board, he goes into a proper rant!!

David West 13 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:04:50

It's news, just wouldn't call it good news!

He's an honest guy. Given his all when called upon. He knows he's not first choice, second or even third choice centre-back. I imagine he's a good guy in he dressing room and a good example of how to behave if you're out of favour.

The one gripe I have is, isn't there a centre-back we could bring through, buy at a young age that could match his output?

Will Tarkowski continue at his previous level ? Isn't O'Brien due a run a centre-back? Wouldn't that leave Tarkowski in Keane's current role?

I know there's other positions that need strengthening but thought he'd probably run his course here.

Mike Gaynes 15 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:21:09

I get it. We have a lot of holes to fill in a limited period of time, and only a partial recruiting team to bring in that many players.

Filling one open reserve spot with a known quantity, and not having to scout him, compete for him or go through an extended negotiation, saves time and effort that can be directed towards more crucial needs.

Nobody's dancing in the streets about this, but it makes sense.

Si Pulford 16 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:26:00

Kevin (1) I’ve been saying this for a while. Moyes has a knack of improving 30 odd year old centre backs. I’m not unhappy with Keane staying on one bit. We need senior pros and continuity.

Derek Knox 17 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:26:39

No, No, NO to Jack Harrison coming back!

Keane's 1-year deal makes sort of sense.

Grant Rorrison 18 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:30:42

Not fussed about this. He is only 4th choice. We cant afford the level of investment needed to bring in 10 players of greater quality than we have. We need to be keeping quite of lot of the current squad and then adding some genuinely better players plus a few loans/frees etc.

Derek 17. If Harrison was right footed I'd have him at the quoted 7m as cover for a decent first choice right winger.

Ted Roberts 19 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:32:45

I'm happy with this outcome, just need Idrissa now to sign on the dotted line and then the priority of signing right-back, right-wing and striker positions can be addressed in whichever financial permutation works to suit the budget.

It's not a quick fix transfer window opportunity, but I'd like to think that if decent acquisitions for the above mentioned positions can be sourced then it will be a decent enough start to the rebuild process that's needed for the progress of the club to achieve greater things on the trophy trail home and abroad.

Mike Hayes 20 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:34:08

Like mentioning Doucoure in the line up, Keane got a few groans from all corners… but he knows the club, knows the team, knows what we fans expect, and Moyes will sort him out.

It's a no-brainer given the amount of players we've let go. As for Harrison he's a workhorse but has no end product – who's next, Broja 🤷💙

Jim Bennings 21 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:39:06

It's a no-brainer for me.

Love him or hate him, if we let Keane go then that's another pointless chase for a defender to replace him with.

The pressing matters should be striker/s and a right back is absolutely paramount, so too some genuine pace out wide.

Derek Knox 22 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:52:53

Grant @ 18, his work ethic can't be faulted but the headless chicken syndrome will always be there for crossing and finishing! Better looking elsewhere or from within.

Dave Abrahams 23 Posted 04/07/2025 at 20:54:15

James (11) I don't mind Keane the man but could without Keane the footballer — oh and James, come on, mate — he's had as many good games as bad ones, really James?

Have a look at his last supposedly good game, described by one poster as superb, v Newcastle and the phase where Newcastle had four successive corners and got two good attempts in when Michael and his partner O'Brien stood like dummies when the corners came in.

Newcastle were the team under pressure fighting to get into the Champions League next season and ran out of steam and all Keane and O'Brien had to defend were routine centres. They got away with it, but wait ‘til we are the team under pressure fighting — I can see Keane now, he'll — oh fuck that, it's really not worth thinking about!

Then again, Moyes might work his magic on an aging centre-back; that will be worth watching!

Kevin Molloy 25 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:02:20

I think our most vulnerable area is actually centre mid. We play three there, and who do we have?

Hopefully Gana, Garner, Iroegbunam and Alcaraz? That is so light it's untrue. And if Gana gets injured, God help us.

Doucoure got a lot of stick but he scored goals, and was terrific out of possession. Big boots to fill, I'd be thinking we need to spend there more than any other position.

Jonathan Oppenheimer 26 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:18:02

The thing I like about this is that, despite all the flaws we know he has, it's not clear to me how you get a better 4th choice centre-back than a guy like Keane.

The goal of getting the next O'Brien or Branthwaite doesn't work out so easily, because if they're young with 1st team potential, you either want them out on loan and playing or at worst 3rd choice in case your top 2 get injured.

But what big prospect wants to come to a club like ours on lowish wages and be 4th choice, yet still be a meaningful asset to us? Maybe other clubs on our level have better options in this type of situation, but I'm skeptical.

Given all of that, and the priorities being elsewhere, this seems like a very sound decision. Harrison, meanwhile, need to go read about those rumblings, will feel very differently if he's being brought back as a starter. If everyone's healthy, I guess you could push Ndiaye out right, McNeil to the left, Alcaraz, Gana and Garner in the middle — but even then, right wing is a position I'd rather buy young for impact sub potential than return to Jack.

Tony Abrahams 27 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:19:23

Good point, Kevin, but I think we currently have a few areas in the squad that all need strengthening.

Christy Ring 28 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:27:53

Keane for me, deserves another year, never let's us down.

Ian Bennett 29 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:28:23

Currently he's not 4th choice.

He's first choice.

There's no guarantee that Tarkowski is going to be fit for the start of the season, or that he's not going to have a reoccurrence of a hamstring.

Please tell me I am wrong that the current back 4 isn't Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Keane and Obrien as it stands.

This to me is a worry. Coleman cant stay fit, Patterson is garbage, yet we are going into a season with Keane as first choice for the first game of the season.

Yes, we might sign a new right back. But equally we could lose Mykolenko that picks up a knock easily, or we lose Branthwaite or Obrien for a period.

Anyone on the squad you've got to be happy is good enough to play. Not hoping you'll never need them.

I get money is tight, I get we have bigger issues in the side. But let's not kid ourselves hes 4th choice when you need at least 2 centre backs in a side.

Josh Horne 30 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:33:51

Was anyone else actually interested.in signing Keane? Is anybody else interested in signing Harrison?

I just don't get the continuity, knows the club angle. I would prefer no continuity of the level of performance either offer.

"As many good games as stinkers", how reassuring.

Si Pulford 31 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:37:55

Dave 23. A game where we kept a clean sheet seems a strange choice to slag a defender off.

Jonathan Oppenheimer 32 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:42:20

Ian 29, what you're saying makes sense only if we don't bring in a starting right back or at the very least a quality back who can back up the left and the right. One of those two is a certainty.

Sure, he's a step up above Tarkowski right now, but you can't plan for a season as if Tarkowski won't get healthy if all signs are that his hamstring recovery are on track. If they are, then at best he's third choice with O'Brien out on the right once Tark is healthy.

As I predicted previously, I think it's time for O'Brien to take over permanently from Tarkowski, and I also think we'll bring in a new starting right back or at least someone they feel can compete for that spot. I think Tarkowski then becomes the new Keane for us, a back-up we're glad to have for a few years who only plays when necessary.

Ray Robinson 35 Posted 04/07/2025 at 21:58:42

Jonathan. I think it's racing certainty that Tarkowski (if fit) and Branthwaite will continue to be first choice centre backs next season. I think Tarkowski 's experience and influence is vastly underestimated by some and he's got at least another season at the top in him.

Ian Bennett 38 Posted 04/07/2025 at 22:11:05

I think you under estimate the demands of the Premier league.

We have only one left back.

We have 4 centre backs, 1 is injured and 1 is clearly not good enough. One might need to play right back.

The club captain played 282 minutes last season with every likelihood he plays the same amount of time next year.

Yes, we might get a new right back. But our first choice signing option played 22 games last season and he turned us down. The liklihood is we are looking for inferior players to Tete.

If we were blessed in good full backs, good full back cover, and 3 fit centre backs, then Keane as 4th wouldn't matter. But that isn't the case.

Its been highlighted we are desperately short in the middle of the park, and it is the same at the back.

A back 4 of Coufal, Obrien Keane & Coleman could be our starters come December and into a busy Christmas period. If thsts the case, youre losing matches.

I think Colin Glassar wrote that nothing is changing at Everton, and commented it was dithering davy if I recall it right. The first part is right. Nothing is changing. Its not the manager, the last 4 odd managers have all found there's no money to spend, the squad is thin and the quality is shite.

No manager can turn that around. You want a good team, performing well, then you need good players. You can talk tactics till the cows come home, but you need players that can play.

Martin Berry 39 Posted 04/07/2025 at 22:35:01

Keane knows the club and we obviously need another centre back as cover so why let him go and spend unnecessary probably more money on his replacement.More cover at the back for another year, make sense to me.

Jeff Armstrong 40 Posted 04/07/2025 at 22:41:31

So Dave23, in your words Newcastle fighting for Champions League football and forcing four successive corners where Keane and your latest not too keen on player Jake O’Brien ( who most supporters think is decent ) kept them out and a clean sheet was not real pressure? Just Newcastle going through the motions and not really wanting to win but hoping other results would go their way.

Get a grip, give praise when its due, not some pre-conceived nonsense to back up your already stubborn opinion.

Jonathan Oppenheimer 41 Posted 04/07/2025 at 22:42:40

Time will tell, Ian. I was in favor of not making a big striker signing to shore up defense and midfield, but if Barry proves true, then I was wrong there. Maybe there’s money for 2 more big signings, plus 2-4 loans. If so, we all know the priority positions. Neither David Moyes nor any supporter nor any reasonable person wants Michael Keane or Jack Harrison playing significant minutes this season, so let’s see how things play out. We also don’t want to overpay for average quality, something that could certainly prove true with the Barry signing. I’m giving the new ownership and Moyes the benefit of the doubt until the close of the transfer window, even if that means we don’t have a ton of depth to start the season.

Scott Hamilton 42 Posted 04/07/2025 at 23:11:40

It’s OK lads, he’s signed for another year so you can slag him off again.

I’m sure he appreciated the pause in vitriol whilst we all awaited the outcome of his contract negotiations! 😜

Jake FitzGerald 43 Posted 04/07/2025 at 23:24:31

I’m loathe to slag off anyone who pulls on the royal blue jersey, but Keane really tests my resolve far too many times. An absolute disaster waiting to happen in every other game.

Paul Kossoff 44 Posted 04/07/2025 at 23:30:41

Yeeeees!!! Oh, I'm so happy.😁And now our word of the day. Sarcasm. the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

Rick Cole 45 Posted 04/07/2025 at 23:43:09

He seems a great bloke. And a good influence in the dressing room. Definitely a threat from set pieces too. Unfortunately he is not very good at defending. I see Arsenal have released Tomiyasu. If he can stay fit he would be a great solution at right back, as well as begin able to cover in the middle and on the left.

Stu Gre 46 Posted 04/07/2025 at 23:52:56

This almost isn't news worthy to me. How many teams have a player like Keane as their 4th choice centre back? Crazy that people would question this decision. Not a starter, but a very decent back up.

Now when will Dithering start signing some new players? History says we won't get what we really need.

Robert Tressell 47 Posted 04/07/2025 at 23:55:02

By the time the window closes, I doubt we'll be too worried at having re-signed Keane.

Ryan Holroyd 48 Posted 05/07/2025 at 00:04:49

Here we go again

‘Dithering’

Give it a rest

Moyes isn’t in charge of transfers in any case

Brendan McLaughlin 49 Posted 05/07/2025 at 00:11:47

Ryan #48

"Cautious Committee"... just does not cut it in the lazy labelling social media world.

Lester Yip 50 Posted 05/07/2025 at 00:40:15

Sensible move.

There will be times we need to defense for a lead or draw by sitting deep against piling up pressure. He is good at low block and his long pass is pretty good too.

Let's focus on the Striker and the Left Back/Right Back first.

Danny O'Neill 51 Posted 05/07/2025 at 00:57:33

I don't think Dave or anyone else is praising or "slagging off" Keane for one or two good or bad matches.

As for O'Brien, yes, bags of potential, who we all rate highly. But he is young and developing. Admittedly, playing out of position, he had a few lapses in concentration, usually early the game, but you can see he's going to be a good player.

Dave is a very astute football and Everton supporter and says what he sees, with little room for popularism either way. He wasn't shy in pointing out that Branthwaite wasn't performing to his high standards early last season and was correct. A player we both and just about all of us rate as one of the best centre backs in England right now.

I don't like the phrase slagging off. We can be critical of a player's performance.

The opinions on Keane have been formed over several seasons and the poor performances outweigh the good ones. It's not slagging off, it's on observation over time.

Wouldn't have been my choice but Keane is useful to retain as backup. It saves us having to buy someone else, but he'll still worry me, as he has done for most of his time at Everton.

Kevin @25, we mostly played with 2 in the middle in front of the back four in a 4-2-3-1. Gana and Garner, once fit, played there. The 3 in front ended up being a mix of Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Doucoure and Harrison. Depending who we sign, and depending on how we set up, we could need another midfielder. Right now, that might be Armstrong. But, you are right, providing Gana stays, it only takes an injury, then we are light on the ground there.

Liam Mogan 52 Posted 05/07/2025 at 00:58:40

9 years at Everton? Don't like to be nasty, but 9 minutes was too much. Never has been, and never will be, good enough.

Not a good sign for where we will end up, squadwise, come August.

John Atkinson 53 Posted 05/07/2025 at 01:00:18

I've been a reflector on Keane. He comes up with game changing goals. I'd love to see him upfront for the last 25 minutes

Mark Taylor 54 Posted 05/07/2025 at 01:13:20

I'm ok if he comes cheap (not his previous wages) and he is 4th choice. Could do worse and we have so many other positions to fill.

Starting with both full backs( arguably 2 RB's needed if Patterson goes), at least one more CM (even assuming we re-sign Gana), at least 1 RF and a striker ( Barry might fit that role if he comes) And probably a reserve goalie although those are easier and cheaper.

So 6 more at a minimum (7 if you include Gana which hopefully we can). Given the limited resources we have, especially if we spend £35m plus on Barry, I can see the logic in Keane, if not the excitement

Dale Self 55 Posted 05/07/2025 at 01:16:44

Si 31, with all due respect, much respect, let Dave rip whomever he wishes. He has been in spectacular form of late and I like the delivery.

Steve Brown 56 Posted 05/07/2025 at 03:18:52

It is always exciting to guess which Keane is on the pitch - Beckenbauer or Frank Sinclair?

Steve Shave 57 Posted 05/07/2025 at 06:27:00

Good news, experienced cover for the long season ahead. Money saved for the immediate squad spots that need upgrading or replacing.

Sensible move all round, as ever I pray our players never read this site.

Jerome Shields 58 Posted 05/07/2025 at 07:14:34

There is no doubt about it: Keane has the eye for attack. At the back, he is a confidence player who can lapse when he is unsure.

But at least we know what we have got and maybe Moyes can get him forward a bit more. I always thought he should be kept, with so many contracts ending.

Ian Bennett 59 Posted 05/07/2025 at 07:27:52

Always get a cross section of opinions.

Knows the club, saves looking elsewhere, scores the odd goal, we know him, & never moans.

No doubt all great scouting qualities for an elite defender in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. But it reads more as the criteria for a sunday league pub side - has he got a van, is he a large, does he get the round in and has he got a Costco card were probably the only other criteria missing.

How about concentration, winning one on one duels, handling pressure, reading of the game, being flawless, accurate passing, sensing danger, communication ? Is he a good defender?

20,000 professional footballers in the world, and people are pleased we've re-signed probably one of the most expensive flops in history at our club (around £65m in wages, transfer fees, and agent fees).

Mike Allison 60 Posted 05/07/2025 at 08:41:23

Really, really poor from the club this. Not exactly the momentum shifting, brave new era. Keane is dreadful as a back up, he needs a run of games to get up to speed and should never get them except in an injury crisis.

There were younger, better defenders available for free. If we’d signed Egan-Riley he’d have instantly become a £10-20m asset given his reputation. Boscagli from PSV has just signed for (of course!) Brighton on a free.

We have fans on this website who were better prepared for this transfer window than the club were. If you’re still optimistic about the ‘new era’ then do yourself a favour and temper your expectations.

This is more than just re-signing an average, ageing player we’ve waited 3-4 years to get rid of; this is symbolic of the club not knowing what they’re doing or having pathetic, limited ambitions.

Annika Herbert 61 Posted 05/07/2025 at 08:46:48

Ryan @ 48, are you Moyes's agent? Any hint of criticism of him and you jump right in.

He might not be in charge of transfers but he will certainly have a big input.

Stu Darlington 62 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:19:02

6 weeks till the Premiere League starts and what have we got?A loanee midfielder we eventually signed on a rather unusual 2 year contract, an Everton out of contract defender re-signed who we should have got rid of 5years ago but couldn’t shift because of his high wages and long contract and another aging out of contract midfielder waiting in the wings to sign?I’m with Liam @52 and Mike@60 on this.Not encouraging is it for where we will end up squad wise when our stated ambition is to be competitive in the top half of the division and maybe press for a domestic cup or entry into one of the European competitions?Of course there is also the parallel nonsense of us signing a Brazilian right back ( which we all know we desperately need),and then loaning him straight out to Roma,because they need a right back!Apart from media talk about being “ linked with” players are we actually going to see any positive movement towards signing any before a crucial preseason starts?I forgot of course,if we sign all our out of contract players back we won’t need a pre season for them to get to know one another.I know Robert T,Mike G and a few other TW contributors seem very confident that things will happen before the window closes but it’s getting down to the wire for me

David Bromwell 63 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:25:02

There is something about the modern football fan which I don't understand. One minute, Michael Keane gets dogs abuse if he makes a mistake, and the next everybody is shouting his name because he has just scored an important goal.

We are just a few weeks away from the start of the season, with still only half a squad in place. To my mind, to re-sign Keane makes perfect sense: he is honest, brave, scores important goals, and distributes the ball well.

We all know he is slow on the turn but, in the present circumstances, he represents value for money. I don't recall similar lengthy debate when we re-signed Seamus Coleman, a much more debatable decision in my view.

Rob Dolby 64 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:33:13

I know the game is all about opinions but some of the above is a bit ott.

He isn't Beckebauer but he is a solid premier league centre back.

We need a centre back as cover for our first choice pair which are both recovering from injury.

Branthwaite ended the season injured and had a few injuries during the season. Tarkowski ended the season injured. That leaves O'Brien and who?

Should we go out and spend 34m on a kwansa type young player or maybe pick up a free transfer like lindeloft on well over 100k a week? Or offer a 12 month deal to a player known to the club.

Keane is in the same bracket as Lyons, hibbert and Osman in other words he is the boo boys favourite player.

All this stuff about watching the ball go over his head nonsense. You name me a cb that ever played who didn't watch the ball go over his head.

I agree it doesn't show the new recruitment team in a good light, it makes them look average at best and uninspiring but if we only have so much money to spend I think it makes sense.

Jerome Shields 65 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:42:38

I know it is not ideal, but it was always going to be reducing the affect of so many contracts change,especially with Moyes, but other Managers would have been in the same boat anyway.

Everton have always attended to out of contract players first. Then they will be looking to sell players.It is only then that they will look at free transfers and loans. Only at the end of the window will they sign what bargain they can.

Meanwhile the press will have them signing players from Timbuktu and beyond.I also find myself caught when a really good player is mentioned.It is relative, comparison between what is available and existing Everton players

Dave Abrahams 66 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:45:20

Si (31) I’ve seen many games were Everton were outplayed and kept a clean sheet— I chose a game in which Keane, and O’Brien, were supposed to be outstanding, right or wrong I thought different.

Jeff (40) I never said anything like “ Newcastle just went through the motions of trying to win” my recollection of the game was that Newcastle had most of the game and were definitely pushing to win that match, their fans wouldn’t let them just go through the motions, but apart from those four corners and a terrific shot by their centre back, which just grazed the angle of the goal, they didn’t create many chances.

As for O’Brien I truly hope I am wrong and he becomes the centre back you and many more think he already is, I have my doubts.

Let’s be honest Jeff I like you and fans like you because you really love The Blues, believe it or not so do I,but I don’t let my heart, I have got one, rule my head.

Best wishes Jeff I do understand you, I really do but we just have different opinions of the team we love.

Danny O'Neill 67 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:50:03

David @63, there are a lot of people on here who aren't modern football supporters. At 53, myself included. We're just Everton supporters.

I don't mind repeating, but opinions on Keane have been based on watching him for Everton since 2017.

I can't recall him individually receiving personal abuse at the match. Maybe the odd groan if his number goes up on the subs board. The odd "your shite" comment as another one flies over his head, but no vitriol. He got a great reception as the players made their way around the pitch after the Southampton game, with his name being chanted.

The way I'm reading it, is that Moyes has recommended it to the recruitment team and the CEO has approved whatever offer was put forward to the player.

Moyes won't be judged on Michael Keane or any individual player. He will be judged on how his team performs.

John Graham 68 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:51:10

Great news.Just what we need at this present time. Solid defender who knows he is only going to be back up. Played well under Moyes last season and is always a goal threat at set pieces.Saves us a bit of money at an important time which can be used hopefully on buying attacking players which we are desperate for.

Ray Said 69 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:52:00

Given the circumstances of needing to replace so many players, his experience with the club -so no settling in period as with a new signing-and the apparently limited budget then I think this is a prudent decision. I think his form often depends on who he is paired with and what his instructions are. If he is instructed to push the striker up field as first defender and is paired with Branthwaite or O'Brien covering behind then the regular mistakes could be covered and lessened.

Robert Tressell 70 Posted 05/07/2025 at 09:56:16

Mike # 60, Egan-Riley and Boscagli are more likely to be first choice (or at least not 4th choice) at their respective new clubs. And both Marseille and Brighton are much better placed to challenge for Champions League / Europe than we are. They were not realistic signings for us.

Stu # 62, you start with the best point. There is still 8 (not 6) weeks to go before the end of the transfer window. By the end of that window, we will be better placed than we are now.

However, Mike # 60 is also right about tempering expectations.

I don't think TFG have stated anywhere what their short term ambitions are. The immediate focus seems to be on stabilising the finances and organising a professional management function that the club has lacked (or possibly even never had). That is all vitally important.

On the pitch it will take time.

In terms of squad quality, we have the smallest squad in the Premier League by some distance and Transfermarket rates it as 17th (closer to Leeds and Burnley in 18th and 19th place than we are to Wolves in 16th place).

It would take a net spend of about £300m this summer just to catch up with the likes of Villa, Newcastle and Brighton in terms of squad depth and quality. So yes, Mike, it probably does make sense to temper expectations for the coming season - although if we get lucky with injuries and go big in the cups then it could be good season.

Colin Glassar 71 Posted 05/07/2025 at 10:01:18

Reading some of the comments on here makes it sound like we’ve just signed Franz Beckenbauer and not Michael bloody Keane.

Keane, over the years, has been almost universally criticised on here for his lack of speed, awareness, manoeuvrability, decision making, etc but after two, admittedly, decent games he’s suddenly become indispensable for us?

I mention Der Kaiser (FB) because he played back in the day when Everton fans not only expected better, but demanded it. Maybe it’s a generational thing but our acceptance of this state of affairs is worrying to say the least.

Dave Abrahams 72 Posted 05/07/2025 at 10:01:53

Ron (64). I think you picked the wrong players there Ron, with Lyons, Hibbert and Osman, I thought Mick was a favourite with the majority of fans although Hibbert and Osman had many critics they also had many fans.

As for Keane and the ball going over his head in many circumstances Keane wasn’t even in the right position for the ball to go over his head he was yards behind the play.

Liam Mogan 73 Posted 05/07/2025 at 10:33:00

Have to agree with Dave that those 3 players were nowhere near Michael Keane on the ineptitude scale.

Tony Abrahams 74 Posted 05/07/2025 at 10:48:09

I’m staying out of any discussion about Michael Keane, but it does make me laugh when people talk about preconceived opinions.

I’ve seen Keane score one of my favourite ever Goodison goals and I’ve seen Keane responsible for some of the worst defending, I’ve ever seen in my fifty years of watching Everton.

Bergkamp-esq when scoring against Palace, but also responsible for making a few average centre forwards look Bergkamp-esq, during his time at Everton, imo

Bill Watson 75 Posted 05/07/2025 at 11:55:46

I think we should be thankful that some posters on here aren't running the football club.

We have a limited transfer budget and quite a few positions need strengthening. We have just secured cover for the centre back position by a player who, despite his faults, is vastly experienced and won't need any settling in. At the very least it buys us time to, hopefully, consolidate and move on.

He'll also reasonably fit and should be available if, and when, required unlike another player we've just re-signed who spends more time in the sick bay than on the pitch!

Danny O'Neill 76 Posted 05/07/2025 at 12:16:19

Mick Lyons a "boo boys favourite"?

I know I was very young, but I must have missed that one. I didn't hear it at the time.

Yes, Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman came in for a bit of stick now and then, but again, only from opinions over seasons or individual matches.

Hibbert; solid defender, not the best going forward. Osman; maligned for being small and lightweight but technically gifted and could leap as well. Much more effective when we played him central in my opinion.

Tony Abrahams 77 Posted 05/07/2025 at 12:23:07

I think Lyons and Darracott got a lot of undeserved stick when they were part of Colin Harvey's backroom staff, Danny,

My memory of Lyons the footballer is that he would have put his head in a cement mixer to score a goal or stop a goal being conceded when he wore the royal blue jersey!

Brendan McLaughlin 78 Posted 05/07/2025 at 12:26:47

Danny #76

Just finished watching The Big Match Revisited...West Ham v Everton.

Billy Bingham was manager, Mick Lyons played and Everton won.

Ashamed to say though I recognised more of the West Ham names!

Danny O'Neill 79 Posted 05/07/2025 at 12:32:47

Yes Tony, a very brave player.

Brendan, you've had me thinking of that era and go back to the End of An Era match at Goodison, when all the players were paraded on the pitch.

I have to say, Mike Pegic's hair has faired well. Not a single sign of grey!!!

Ryan Holroyd 80 Posted 05/07/2025 at 12:33:50

We're 8 weeks away from the end of the transfer window.

We're about to sign a highly rated centre-forward – he gets dismissed by some before kicking a ball.

We signed Alcaraz – the terms of that deal get slagged off. That and we didn't sign him the second the season finished.

We re-signed a 3rd/4th choice centre-back for a year – that gets slagged off.

Many teams have not signed players yet.

Ryan Holroyd 81 Posted 05/07/2025 at 12:38:12

No, I'm not David Moyes's agent.

If you think Moyes is sat there in negotiations with football presidents, directors of football… then I can't help you.

Justin Doone 82 Posted 05/07/2025 at 13:00:36

Nothing against Keane I just felt we needed to improve competition for the centre back positions and he is good enough and should be playing more football before retirement, even at a lower level.

But clearly someone or some people like the lad and wanted to keep him at Everton and he's happy to stay.

I just wonder how much extra him running his contract down has cost us?

Justin Doone 83 Posted 05/07/2025 at 13:02:14

I wonder what happened to the Walker rumours? Fair play to Burnley.

Raymond Fox 84 Posted 05/07/2025 at 13:10:32

Keane is a 50-50 decision, I just lean towards keeping him.

We do need a good right back and another left back, for starters.A lot can happen in 8 weeks and hopefully will but I'm not expecting us to finish above where we finished last season.I know Danny will be tutting at that statement but I doubt we will be spending lots of money which we probably need to get higher up the table.

We will see.

Jeff Armstrong 85 Posted 05/07/2025 at 13:21:29

Dave 66, the feeling is mutual and I know your a great blue, sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t, that’s why we come back to this site.But the respect is always there.

Dave Abrahams 86 Posted 05/07/2025 at 13:58:16

Cheers Jeff(85) You probably don’t remember but I do— you stood up for me when I first joined ToffeeWeb and I got some stick over a post I had written praising James McCarthy, I appreciated it then and still do.

Yes the respect will always be there and it really doesn’t matter who is right or wrong.

Martin Mason 87 Posted 05/07/2025 at 13:59:21

What a superb buy, one of the better defenders in the EPL for nothing and the perfect back up not just for our top 2 in central defence but for RB as Jake OB can be moved out wide to cover and Keane into the centre. For a year as we transition from a weak squad and blend in many new players he is exceptional to have around and did I mention that he was free? All of what I say is correct because it's my opinion.I can never remember Mike Lyons being a boo boy target although for sure the general feeling was that he wasn't top drawer as a defender and certainly not as a forward. I would say that he was respected by Evertonians for being a great Evertonian and because he always gave 100%.

Peter Mills 88 Posted 05/07/2025 at 15:08:55

Mick Lyons was very consistent - we always knew that when the signal came for him to move up front, the manager had completely run out of alternative ways of saving a game.

Danny O'Neill 89 Posted 05/07/2025 at 15:20:46

Peter @88, I've said before, Billy Bingham was the first Everton manager I vaguely remember, but don't know how good or bad he was. Then Gordon Lee. He didn't seem too popular, but that might have been my dad's influence. He didn't like him from day one.

Like the players of the day, the ones that stuck in my young mind were Lyons, of course Latchford, and my favourite at the time, Duncan McKenzie. We all agreed he was magic!

I wasn't even 10 years old at this point by the way!!

Jeff Armstrong 90 Posted 05/07/2025 at 15:36:05

Danny, I don’t think Dave A agreed about Duncan M, nor the latter one either, same here on DF 😜

Dave Abrahams 91 Posted 05/07/2025 at 15:50:53

Jeff (90) True Jeff, Duncan McKenzie undoubtedly was an entertainer but more suitable for the Empire rather than a football pitch and I know I was in the minority with that opinion.

Duncan Ferguson was an idol with many fans when there wasn’t really any other player to idolise at the time— I was a big fan on occasions but I think he flattered to deceive in a lot more games than on those occasions when he stood out.

I never thought that Bob walked on water either although he was a great fella to talk to off the field— each to their own and when I was in my very early teens I absolutely idolised Dave Hickson even though a much better player than Dave played alongside him, the brilliant Bobby Collins.

Phil Roberts 92 Posted 05/07/2025 at 15:58:57

Who was the former team mate who said, yeah Duncan Mackenzie was magic, he got out on the pitch and just disappeared

Peter Mills 93 Posted 05/07/2025 at 16:10:56

I may have told the (possibly apocryphal) story before about Big Mick, but hey:

He used to live in the village of Sefton, and often used to pop in to The Punch Bowl after training. One afternoon he was sitting at the bar, in tears. One of the regulars walked in and asked “What’s up, Mick?”. “They’ve sold me to Sheffield Wednesday”, he said. “Thank fuck for that” came the reply.

He was not the greatest player, but had the heart of a lion. I know he’s not in the best of health now, I’m sure he’ll be battling his illness.

Martin Mason 94 Posted 05/07/2025 at 16:42:52

Dave@91 I agree with your opinion on all of those players. I was young for Bobby Collins and certainly for DH but Collins was one of my all time favourites. Only Bally and the White Pele were bigger idols for me.

Bobby Mallon 95 Posted 05/07/2025 at 16:44:48

Robert tressle we will finish above Villa Newcastle and Brighton this season

Martin Mason 96 Posted 05/07/2025 at 16:47:55

I thought that "Chico" Alex Scott was brilliant but he didn't seem to last long after Bally came. White boots really do it for me.

Brendan McLaughlin 97 Posted 05/07/2025 at 16:52:50

Martin #96

Knee length?

Robert Tressell 98 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:01:13

Bobby # 95 - that's great news.

Martin Mason 99 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:03:19

Yes please Brendan. Tend not to suit me though.

Tony Abrahams 100 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:06:03

I think if Everton finish above all three of those teams Bobby, then we will qualify for the champions league?

Rob Dolby 101 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:34:20

Dave 72,

Lyons would run through a brick wall for us and played with injuries but it was never good enough for some at a time when trophies were within touching distance.

Trophies arent within touching distance for us at the minute but the above statement could be applied to Keane.

It's all about opinions but with lots of prem games under his belt, played under several managers and gaining England's caps admittedly doesn't make him a world beater but it certainly doesn't make him the dud some are saying on here.

Dave Abrahams 102 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:41:50

That was some Derby game that Mick Lyons played in at Anfield starting with Mick scoring a cracking lobbed goal right over the goalies head- unfortunately in the wrong Bleedin goal—- than a girl invaded the pitch at the Anfield Road end, the only girl streaker I ever saw and Ray Clemence must have been the only one in the ground who missed it concentrating by the penalty spot with the ball up the other end of the field with the bizzies and stewards getting booed when they arrested her and spoiling the fun.

Second half two players getting sent off for scratching each other McDermott and Stanley who both couldn’t punch a hole in a wet Echo it finished 2-2 but it was a game and a half!.

Alan McGuffog 103 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:42:37

Tony, 77. Terry Darracott was very consistent. He got stick as a coach and got stick as a player.

Dave Abrahams 104 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:54:16

Rob (101) Rob you obviously like Michael Keane which is fair enough but again I don’t think Keane has that aggression that Mick Lyons had and although he won about a dozen Caps for England were any of them in competitive matches? Most of them were friendly games but nevertheless he did play for England——being honest I would rather have Lyons playing for us than Michael but most probably you would even it out by picking Keane.

As you say it is all about opinions and while financially it might make sense to sign him on again it still leaves quite a few fans hoping that he doesn’t have to play but he’s here now and I hope at least he comes up with a couple of those vital goals even if they are just to shut me up!

John Gall 105 Posted 05/07/2025 at 17:57:27

I remember Darracott well, he had lots of nicknames, including the ironic 'Dario Terracotta' because he was lacking in the fine arts of the game, and the more descriptive 'Screaming Skull' which he resembled with his combover flapping away on the left wing as he got skinned by another fast player. Totally crap. In fact we had a few dodgy defenders back then including Big Mick who looked like he was going to fall over the ball and would not have fitted in with the modern preference for titting around at the back. Colin Todd stood out when we signed him - good balance and control, played with his head up. Pejic I liked too. Our goalies were mediocre too, until Georgie Wood, who was a step up. It was only when we got hold of a proper elite goalie in Neville that we could start to win things.

Rob Dolby 106 Posted 05/07/2025 at 18:10:52

Dave 104 I do like Keane as a whole hearted player and if he had walked away on a free transfer I wouldn't be too bothered.

We have 2 goods cbs and 1 with lots of promise. When all are fit Keane will be on the bench.

It's a low risk 1 year contract.

I remember that og from Lyons it was a whopper. Dobson, king and Dave Thomas were my favs at the time.

Dave Abrahams 107 Posted 05/07/2025 at 19:27:49

Rob (106),

It might be a low risk deal but, even if he was on the bench most of the season and he is on £20k a week, it will be £1M mostly wasted, plus a signing-on fee, and I've been very conservative with his wages.

Martin Dobson, Andy King and Dave Thomas… now you're talking — nothing to dislike there!

Danny O'Neill 108 Posted 05/07/2025 at 20:40:11

Some great recollections of former players.

It's interesting. When you are a kid, you are mesmerised, for example me with Duncan McKenzie. As you get older, you start to watch the match and appreciate players more for how good they actually are. For me, I was fortunate, it was the 80s.

Then as you mature, you start being even more subjective. That's why I never really got the Duncan Ferguson thing, but that's just a personal view. I was similar with Jagielka, although he eventually grew on me.

Billy Bradshaw 109 Posted 05/07/2025 at 21:07:53

Terry Darracott had lots of nicknames at the time.

I remember one going round then: Terry "fill the cot".

Don Alexander 110 Posted 05/07/2025 at 21:35:25

Interesting to read the opinions of so many re Keane and Lyons.

Mick Lyons epitomised commitment to the team, bravery, and a never-say-die attitude in any match. He had his limitations though, admittedly, but never, ever flinched (and BTW, I wish him well right now).

He reminds me of another committed centre-back with a penchant for scoring a desperately needed goal on occasion, who was willing to play every match for many, many months recently despite the fact that his right foot was so badly injured he could barely get a boot on it throughout.

Can't recall the lad's name though. Can anyone help?

Tony Abrahams 111 Posted 05/07/2025 at 21:47:09

If you have told that story before, Peter, then it used to be hilarious, but I'm not sure it fits in that much now, because the modern man has suddenly become very angry, easily offended and ultra serious, imo mate!

Jerome Shields 112 Posted 05/07/2025 at 21:49:02

Brendan #78

During that period, I was the same and would recognise other team's players rather than Everton players. I often think of it being my non-descript period as an Everton Supporter.

I remember being on a train at that time, talking to a Evertonian coming back from a game. I knew more about the opposition than I knew about Everton and I could see it in his face. It still haunts me.

Today, I know the Everton players and know nothing about other clubs, other than my pre-match analysis of the threats.

Dave Abrahams 114 Posted 06/07/2025 at 08:54:54

Don (110) That third paragraph —— I remember the story but I thought it was very far fetched to be honest and yet if Mick Lyons had told that story I’d have believed it!

Jeff Armstrong 115 Posted 06/07/2025 at 11:04:01

Duncan Mckenzie was indeed magic, he could jump over a golf ball and throw a mini the length of a pitch 😝

Liam Mogan 116 Posted 06/07/2025 at 11:10:19

The Echo reporting that the club had agreed a deal with another PL club for a CB, until Moyes intervened and asked for Keane to stay instead.

John Williams 117 Posted 06/07/2025 at 11:23:36

If the Echo story is correct and we would need to know,if the player was coming on loan or the club was paying a fee.If its the latter, maybe Moyes knew, the transfer fee could be spent on another outfield player,ie fullback, winger or midfield player and in his mind, the new CB would be no better than Keane.Anyone know Holgates telephone number ?

Dave Abrahams 118 Posted 06/07/2025 at 11:32:22

I think a lot of fans on this thread might change their opinions on Everton keeping Keane on if they knew what sort of wages he is getting in this new deal— I think that is an important part of how fans are reacting to him being signed again.

Raymond Fox 119 Posted 06/07/2025 at 11:32:42

Talking about Mick Lyons, on the latest 'Big Match Revisited' it was West Ham v Everton and he was playing.

He had a large plaster on his eyebrow as usual, we won 0-1. There was no playing from the back in them days all the goalies hoofed it as far as they could.

I'm confident Moyes will put us a decent team together, Friedkin will not want us struggling too much in their first seasons ownership either.

I'm not expecting fireworks, just a nice stress-free hovering around the middle of the table all season.

Jack Convery 120 Posted 06/07/2025 at 11:52:29

Anyone know who, the CB was, we were after, before Moyes said lets keep Keane ?

Liam Mogan 121 Posted 06/07/2025 at 12:18:50

Raymond 119 - watching the Club World Cup, PSG have been booting their kick offs straight for touch in the opposition half, rugby style.

Maybe Luis Enrique has been enjoying the guilty pleasures of the Big Match Revisited.

Eric Myles 122 Posted 06/07/2025 at 12:20:38

Liam, probably someone's laid a bet on. Been done before.

Robert Tressell 123 Posted 06/07/2025 at 12:20:42

Jack # 20, it was Marquinhos of PSG.

Dave # 118, does the point about Keane's wage come from concerns about our finances? Or from the sad fact that average footballers now get paid ridiculous sums of money? Given he's currently on £80k per week, Keane will probably drop down a bit - maybe to about £60k per week, say - which is now the average wage for Premier League footballers. Could we get someone else to be 4th choice CB for a lower wage? Absolutely. But there would be a transfer fee / signing on fee etc and the time / cost of sourcing the right player etc. And it would be another new player to bed in alongside what is likely to be a very high turnover in the squad.

Whatever the case, by the end of the window and during the course of the season - the re-signing of Keane is unlikely to seem very significant.

Bill Watson 124 Posted 06/07/2025 at 15:01:16

Dave #91

Dave Hickson was my idol as a kid, too. I lived in West Derby, near Bellfield, and used to go to the nearby Harold's, the barber. Harold was a massive blue and had a large, framed, action photo of Dave on the wall of his shop.

One day the man himself came in and sat down next to me! Harold greeted him and introduced me as his biggest fan. I was absolutely speechless and couldn't utter a word!

I met Dave years later and had a laugh about that day. Although he obviously didn't remember it, he did have an instant recall of goals he'd scored and we also chatted about the day the Charlton goalie, Willie Duff, was sent off in an FA Cup game for punching Dave. Dave said he didn't blame him as he'd been giving him the elbow and shoulder throughout the game! It finished 2-2 and we battered them in the replay at Goodison. It was a foggy night and the gate was around 75,000!

Harold was an old fashioned short back and sides barber (but good on quiffs). When I was around 11 I asked him for a crew cut, which were all the rage at the time. "Sorry son", he said, "I don't do fancy styles"!

Martin Mason 125 Posted 06/07/2025 at 15:10:03

Don@110 Not sure but I'm Keane to find out

Scott Hamilton 126 Posted 06/07/2025 at 15:13:07

Bill (124) - Dave Hickson was such a wonderful man, a total gent.

I remember a mate and I doing the stadium tour about 20 years ago and him leading the tour. It was fascinating to hear him talk but, even more special, was when we came to watch the next home game at our then usual seats in the Main Stand. Just before the match started, Hickson came out to his media seat about 10 seats in front of us and, before sitting down, clocked us both and shouted “alright lads, nice to see you again.” You can imagine the warm glow we both felt!

Dave Abrahams 127 Posted 06/07/2025 at 15:31:03

Bill (124) Yes I loved Davie met him a few times on the No. 3 bus when he was playing for the Blues and the reserves, he’d be with other players and they were all easy to talk to or rather listen to the gabby little ten year old me and my mates.

I was at that 2-2 draw v Charlton- I think Everton scored two late goals to get the draw and when Davie and Dull were sent off an Everton threw a rattle, remember them, at one of the Charlton players and Bobby Collins quick as a flash grabbed the rattle and put it up his shirt and moved to the wall behind the goal then handed it to another Everton. Did that replay go to extra time ? I know we won 4-1 and Davie and Willie Duff both played in that replay. I think Villa knocked us out of the cup that year winning 4-1 at Goodison.

Robert (123) Definitely all about the ridiculous wages being paid for average footballers especially when they are hardly used substitutes— £3M a year plus a bleedin’ win bonus if he comes on—— Dick Turpin got hung for less!

Bill Watson 128 Posted 06/07/2025 at 17:55:15

Dave #127

I can't remember if there was extra time or not. I looked it up it an Everton complete record book but it didn't say.

The 1959 FA Cup was notable for the RS being knocked out by non league Worcester City!

Whatever happened to rattles? lol I bought mine from Albert Dunlop's sports shop, in Stafford Street.It lasted a bit longer than the shop!

Dave Abrahams 129 Posted 06/07/2025 at 18:28:32

Bill (128) I looked it up on Google and it stated that the game was won after extra time but it didn’t state the times of the goals only that Dave Hickson and Bobby Collins each scored 2, Inwas surprised the game took place in 1959 I thought it was a couple of years before that.

I remember Albert Dunlops sports shop in Stafford St because Albert used to have a bet in Les Zeffers bookmakers shop at the bottom of Stafford St. in fact I think he spent more time in the betting shop than he did in his own, bit of a gambler Albert!

I never forgot that Worcester City victory over Liverpool and made sure that Liverpool fans knew about it for years after it, Roy Paul the former Man. City played in that game for Worcester and years later wrote in a Sunday paper that he was half drunk playing against Billy Liddell that day and was seeing double of him, he must have been well oiled because Liddell never played in that game!

130 Posted 06/07/2025 at 23:00:04

Dave #129,

Yes, that Monday morning, in school, was the best ever. Love the Roy Paul story!

My first game was v West Ham in the previous November. I've missed very few since.

No direct family history supporting Everton or any other side but I was born a Blue. My birth certificate has Everton, stamped in blue letters, across the stamp so I had little choice.

I must have been a right twat in a previous life!!

Dave Abrahams 131 Posted 09/07/2025 at 10:35:41

Bill (130),

I just came across your post, thanks for the reply. I'm a bit like you, I had an uncle and a cousin who supported the Blues, but were not fanatics.

I had an older mate who was and I used to go to the game with him and I think I outscored him in my enthusiasm for Everton. Strangely after many, many years, I met him in Lime Street Station going to the first FA Cup Final with Liverpool.

I was made up to see him and took that as an omen we would win that game… Bleedin' Everton that Bill.

I'll have to join you Bill about our previous life— no end to it is there although the picture is getting brighter so you never know!