---
title: "Leighton Baines to be handed new deal"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/leighton-baines-handed-new-deal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Hives"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2016-12-15T22:55:23Z"
modified: "2016-12-15T22:55:23Z"
---

# Leighton Baines to be handed new deal

Long-serving full-back Leighton Baines is set to sign a new two-year deal to keep him at Goodison Park, [according to reports.](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4038896/Everton-left-Leighton-Baines-set-sign-new-two-year-contract.html)

There had been some speculation about his future as he has, this season, entered the last year of his contract, however, the new deal seems to secure his future until he turns 34 after the 2018/19 season.

Baines had been falling down a slippery slope ever since Martinez’ reign turned sour. He endured various altercations with the Spaniard, most notably before the Watford game of last season, as he criticised the lack of team spirit and cohesiveness within the club, a statement he would later be forced to apologise for by Martinez, an act which went down sourly with supporters.

However, since the new boss, Ronald Koeman has taken the reins at the club, Baines has found himself revitalised, with some of his best performances in many years coming this season. He was quick to show appreciation for Koeman’s methods and reassured fans that the old Everton spirit was present again. This showed on Tuesday night as Goodison enjoyed a rapturous night under the lights, with Baines taking centre-stage along with his teammates.

His calming influence has been found again this season, with him adapting his game to be more of a defensive playmaker rather than a swashbuckling wing-back.