
Michael Keane has agreed to extend hos contract with Everton for another 12 months. This follows on from the news that Jarrad Branthwaite will be out at least until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old Everton centre-back has seen a revival in his fortunes at the club after it seemed his career was coming to a natural end. But some important performances, often as a stand-in have seen him trusted more and more as an experienced and solid if basic defender, despite the occasional howler.
Keane has already made 30 appearances this season and is likely to return as first-choice partner fro James Tarkowski after Branthwaite’s latest hamstring injury.
This is what David Moyes had to say after Keane’s deal was announced on Thursday: “We’re pleased to have extended Michael’s long service at Everton.
“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.”
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Reader Comments (38)
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2 Posted 23/04/2026 at 17:30:44
Has he put a foot wrong the season? With age comes experience and I think he deserves his extra 12 months.
3 Posted 23/04/2026 at 17:37:55
4 Posted 23/04/2026 at 18:15:49
5 Posted 23/04/2026 at 20:01:40
6 Posted 23/04/2026 at 20:48:54
7 Posted 23/04/2026 at 21:11:29
If there's any money left after spend it on getting Barry some kind of education — I've never seen a more mouth open footballer in all my life. Every time I see him and his lazy attitude, I just want to shake the life out of him. He actually makes Cole Palmer look intelligent.
8 Posted 23/04/2026 at 21:27:53
He's a better centre half than Tarkowski now too. Well deserved, Keano — very good squad player
10 Posted 23/04/2026 at 22:03:17
Perfect cover for Jarrad at minimal cost.
11 Posted 23/04/2026 at 22:09:34
12 Posted 23/04/2026 at 22:42:55
If not, he'll need replacing with someone who can cope with the Premier League and offer a bit more attacking scope than Mykolenko (not too difficult, that). I'm assuming Patterson will leave. No-one rates him.
13 Posted 24/04/2026 at 02:14:54
Essential back-up. Pleased for him.
14 Posted 24/04/2026 at 03:13:35
The first goal in the 3-2 Palace comeback, and the 30-yard banger against Spurs were both huge!! Streets won't forget. 🫡
15 Posted 24/04/2026 at 04:16:15
Although, if Coleman gets fit, we could find ourselves with the oldest defence in the Premier League and could deny Mr Moyes playing three at the back on a high line while how did Tarkowski, Keane and McNeil go at their previous club.
16 Posted 24/04/2026 at 06:00:45
17 Posted 24/04/2026 at 07:11:45
Just asking because so many players we've had never get them anymore here, Baines? Howard?
18 Posted 24/04/2026 at 07:40:52
No contract for Coleman, by all means join the coaching staff. No minutes this year really and cant stay fit.
19 Posted 24/04/2026 at 07:49:37
Stones & Branthwaite could have been the best footballing centre backs, this club has seen in many a year. Fitness obviously a huge concern, and for some would have moaned about the wages like it comes from their pocket. Missing that a free transfer offsets the capital outlay of £10ms when the club is still a million mile behind the top clubs
A pairing of Tarkowski and Keane next season, will blunt the progress of this side. Keane has done well enough, but neither is a top 6 centre half.
I saw the old quote that Liverpool fans, think Moyes is doing a good job, but would never have him. Well hello, do you think they'd take Keane & Tarkowsk?, would they fairy cakes.
The maths is simple, the fewer number of quality players in the side, the less potential this side has in getting to where we want to get - Regardless of the latest fella in the dug out.
Happy clap, but I think this is another signing that doesn't take us forward.
20 Posted 24/04/2026 at 08:02:45
21 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:05:52
22 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:11:05
Liverpool fans wouldn't never have had Moyes has their manager because they are not thick
But quite a few Everton fans think Keane is a good player and are welcoming his signing another contract,
23 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:16:35
24 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:22:24
Van Dijk and Keane would have done much better than Van Dijk and Konate... and yer know what, Van Dijk knows that.
25 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:40:41
They would be protest marching from town carrying holy pictures if anyone told them 8th was successful.
26 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:41:41
I sincerely hope that neither Tarkowski nor Keane are regular starters in next season's Everton. Nor Gana Gueye, for that matter; as high as I rate him, he's too old now.
Bring in the youth.
27 Posted 24/04/2026 at 09:44:23
The shite would definitely take 3 looks at Dewsbury-Hall and Garner.
They will be on their very long list…
28 Posted 24/04/2026 at 10:04:20
I forgot Garner -- yes, they'd probably take him as well.
29 Posted 24/04/2026 at 11:35:32
30 Posted 24/04/2026 at 12:00:09
We still should sign a new centre-back as a safety factor if Branthwaite's recovery takes longer than expected.
31 Posted 24/04/2026 at 13:56:43
Konate is a far superior player than Michael Keane. One has played a World Cup final, Champions League final, and has won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup twice.
Konate remains first choice for the French national team. The other won the Championship with Burnley.
32 Posted 24/04/2026 at 13:59:14
You know the answer — Are you fuckin' jokin'.
33 Posted 24/04/2026 at 14:14:03
34 Posted 24/04/2026 at 16:09:50
Probably fits our budget too. Good, experienced back-up to have.
35 Posted 24/04/2026 at 17:29:40
36 Posted 24/04/2026 at 17:30:26
Now sort out that right-back spot!
37 Posted 24/04/2026 at 17:34:10
For gawd's sake, will you please stop talking about bloody Liverpool players!
Jesus Christ, haven't we had enough of those fuckers? The next one gets another triggering photo.
38 Posted 24/04/2026 at 17:57:56
Money can have the casting vote.
39 Posted 24/04/2026 at 18:09:27
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1 Posted 23/04/2026 at 17:05:54
The more things change, the more things stay the same!