Everton’s season concluded with a more impressive performance than anticipated, despite the team’s mediocrity. Without deductions, they would have finished 12th in the table, earning 48 points, which is a commendable achievement given the squad’s limitations. The recruitment team has likely begun planning for the summer transfer window, identifying potential targets and replacements. However, before focusing on new signings, decisions must be made regarding the players already at the club whose contracts are set to expire. This includes those whose contracts have already been announced. Here, we will examine the players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of June, including those for whom announcements have already been made.

Andy Lonergan

signed on a free August 21st 2021

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, Lonergan, has been at Everton for three years, despite not making a single appearance for the team. His presence was initially intended as cheap emergency cover, and he has managed to stay on due to his good rapport with teammates during training sessions. Last summer, he was offered an extension based on this relationship, but it has now been decided to release him. It is likely that one of the club’s other non-first team goalkeepers will take over as the third-choice goalkeeper.

Verdict: Release(d)

Ashley Young

signed on a free July 13th 2023

Ashley Young’s glory days as a pacey and skillful winger, most notably during his early years at Aston Villa and his first season with Manchester United, came to an end over a decade ago. However, as he approached his 30s, Young adapted his game and transitioned into a more defensive role as a fullback. Despite his advancing age, Young’s experience and versatility were evident in his recent career. He had started five Champions League matches for Inter Milan just two years prior to joining Everton on a free transfer last summer. Additionally, Young had accumulated over 2,000 league minutes for Aston Villa before making the move to Merseyside.

It is reasonable to say that Ashley Young has played more than many would have anticipated, filling in various positions throughout the season due to necessity and Sean Dyche’s preferences. As a result, he has faced criticism from fans, who are understandably concerned about his frequent starts (19 league games from 31 appearances) and overall performance.

Despite this, Young remains a trusted player by his manager and is an exemplary professional, considering his advanced age. If used more judiciously, he can still contribute to the team and bring a winning mentality to the dressing room, given his experience in winning five trophies at Manchester United and Inter Milan. Everton has offered Young a new deal, which is widely expected to be accepted. This move is seen as a sensible decision by the club, given Young’s professionalism and potential to still make a positive impact on the team.

Verdict: Retain

Seamus Coleman

signed January 1st 2009

Seven years have passed since the club captain suffered a devastating leg break, yet he remains Everton’s most reliable option at right back, despite being 35 years old. However, this situation is far from ideal. After a severe knee injury in May 2023, the Irishman was offered a new one-year contract, but he didn’t make his first appearance until December. Throughout the season, his playing time was limited to a mere 751 minutes across all competitions, with only 12 league appearances and seven starts.

Coleman’s fitness issues have become a significant concern, but when he does manage to play, he remains defensively solid. However, the dynamic, attack-minded Coleman of the past is no longer present. Despite this, his dedication to the club and his value to both the coaching staff and teammates are undeniable, making it likely that he will sign an extension. Like Ashley Young, Coleman provides valuable defensive cover, but the club’s recruitment team must prioritize finding a new, starting-calibre right back this summer.

Verdict: Retain

Dele Alli

signed on a conditional fee from Spurs Jan 31, 2022

Upon his arrival at Everton, the former England star’s reputation had significantly declined, despite being just 25 years old and theoretically in the prime of his career. Moving from Tottenham Hotspur, where he was once hailed as one of the most promising young talents globally, seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start for the player and a chance for Everton to revive a player of genuine talent. Unfortunately, for various reasons, this plan did not come to fruition.

The terms of his transfer from Spurs actually discouraged Everton from fielding him, but more significantly, the midfielder’s widely reported mental health challenges and a serious injury sustained while on loan at Besiktas in March of the previous year led to his disappearance from the squad. Manager Dyche has spoken positively about Dele and provided substantial support during his extended recovery period, but he has not played any competitive football in over 15 months.

There is a possibility that the club may consider offering him a short-term contract on favorable terms, contingent upon Dyche and his team’s assessment of the player’s physical condition and personal circumstances. Despite the challenges, there remains optimism that he can turn his situation around, presenting a low-risk opportunity for the club.

Verdict: Retain

Andre Gomes

signed for €25m from Barcelona Jul 1, 2019

André Gomes, one of Everton’s final signings during their big-spending era, which now feels like a distant memory, is set to depart the club at the end of June, as his lucrative contract comes to an end. Following a productive loan spell at French club Lille during the 2022-23 season, there was a glimmer of hope that Gomes could find a role in Everton’s squad. However, he began the current campaign lacking match fitness and only made his first appearance, coming off the bench and scoring against Tottenham, near the end of December.

The midfielder, who will be 31 by the end of the month, featured in 12 league matches, starting three, but never quite seemed to align with Dyche’s tactical approach. While the team requires additional players, uncertainties surrounding Gomes’ fitness and his compatibility with Everton’s established style of play make his exit an obvious decision.

Verdict: Release

Arnaut Danjuma

signed on loan from Villareal Jul 23, 2023

This one has to go down as a strange mismatch between the recruitment department and the manager. On paper, the winger should have been a good addition, as he offered speed, an eye for goal and the ability to carry the ball forward fluidly. Unfortunately, the Dutchman’s preferred position – on the left – was nailed down by Dyche favourite Dwight McNeil, ensuring that Danjuma would be mostly used from the bench.

The 27-year-old midfielder saw minimal action from October onwards, to the point where Villarreal were reportedly considering terminating the loan in January. Perhaps coincidentally, he was given a couple of starts towards the end of the month, but then suffered an injury that effectively ended any chance he had of solidifying his position in the team. Danjuma’s tactical fit was poor, as he is a wide forward, whereas Dyche prefers traditional hard-working wide midfielders on the flanks. It is unsurprising that there is no chance his stay will extend beyond the end of the month.

Verdict: Release

Jack Harrison

signed on loan from Leeds United Aug 14, 2023

The 27-year-old’s loan spell from Leeds was terminated prematurely due to an injury sustained in May, but interest in signing him permanently persists and has been bolstered by Leeds’ failure to gain promotion from the Championship. Harrison joined Everton with a pre-existing hip injury, but after regaining fitness, he became a regular in Dyche’s lineup. He made 29 league appearances, starting 25 matches, primarily on the right wing, and was a consistent presence in the team.

The 27-year-old’s goal-scoring and assisting numbers, three goals and three assists, were underwhelming compared to his performances at Leeds. However, the manager appreciated his defensive contributions, work ethic, and ability to maintain the team’s shape.

The player has earned Dyche’s trust and is familiar with the system. If another loan deal becomes available, bringing him back for the new season would likely be a financially undemanding move. However, signing him permanently would depend on the transfer fee required, and anything above €10m seems unlikely.

Verdict: Retain