- Michael Keane has three goals this season
- Keane joined Everton in 2017 from Burnley
- Centre-back thanks David Moyes for keeping faith in him.
Everton have confirmed that Michael Keane has signed a new one‑year contract, keeping him at the club until June 2027. The 33‑year‑old defender will now enter his 10th season on Merseyside, having joined from Burnley in July 2017.
Keane has made 259 appearances for the Toffees, with 223 of those coming in the Premier League placing him joint‑14th on the club’s all‑time list. He has also scored 19 goals for Everton and earned nine of his 12 England caps during his time at Goodison Park and Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The centre‑back has been a regular in David Moyes’ side this season, making 28 appearances across all competitions (24 starts). He has contributed to 11 Premier League clean sheets, the fourth‑highest tally in the division and has chipped in with three goals.
Michael Keane: ‘It has become part of me’
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Keane spoke warmly about his connection to the club.
“I’m really happy,” he told evertontv. “The Club means a lot. It’s one of those things that’s easy to say, but it has become part of me. It’s who I am and it feels like family to me – the people around the Club, the fans, the players, the staff. So it’s really special to me and I couldn’t really imagine my life without Everton.”
The 33‑year‑old admitted he has played more than he expected this season and has relished every minute.
“I think it’s been a great season for me personally. I’ve played a lot of football – probably more than I expected – and I feel like I’ve done well and I’ve absolutely loved it. So to get my 10th year here, I think it’s a big achievement and one I’m proud of.”
‘I wanted to prove it to myself’
Keane reflected on the doubt that surrounded him last summer, when his future was uncertain.
“I think [this season] is up there [on a personal level]. I’m really pleased with that – I think more so for myself. I wanted to prove it to myself. Last summer, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t know where I was going to end up. I’m guessing people were doubting me and sometimes those doubts can creep in, but I’ve always had that belief in myself, and to prove that again this season, that I am good enough, that I can do it, has been really pleasing.”
He credited David Moyes for showing faith in him. “I think the manager’s been amazing for me. He’s put a lot of faith in me and given me that trust, and I like to think I’ve repaid that. So far, it’s gone really well, but we’ve got five big games to go and a lot to play for, so I need to keep it up.”
On the support from Everton fans, Keane added: “It means everything. To have their support is huge. They’re definitely the most important part of this football club and to have support like that means a lot to me. It definitely gives me a boost and I’m just thankful for it.”
David Moyes: ‘A valuable part of our squad’
David Moyes welcomed the extension, highlighting Keane’s consistency and professionalism. “We’re pleased to have extended Michael’s long service at Everton,” the manager said. “He is an experienced and respected member of the squad, who knows the standards we expect at the Club. Michael has been consistent all season and he’ll continue to be a valuable part of our squad going into next season.”
With five Premier League games remaining and European qualification still possible, Keane is determined to finish the season strongly. “We’ve got five games left and it’s all to play for. It’s a very exciting end to the season for us. We need to make sure we finish strong and not let anything filter away.”
Michael Keane was close to leaving last summer but his turnaround has been remarkable. Everton fans will be delighted to see him stay. A 10th season in royal blue awaits.
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