In a recent report, Liverpool Echo offered an update on the future of Everton defender Michael Keane. It has been revealed that the Toffees are set to allow the English centre-back to leave on loan during the January transfer window.
Keane’s Growing Struggles At Merseyside This Season
Keane has endured a frustrating campaign at Goodison Park as he has failed to earn regular playing time for Everton in the Premier League. The 29-year-old has made just three appearances for the Merseyside club this season in various competitions. However, he has earned just 22 minutes of game time in league football.
Keane gave a good account of himself in cup football after he averaged 1.0 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 2.5 clearances and 1.0 dribbles per game in the EFL Cup. He was even tidy with his ball distribution after making 84.1% of his attempted passes in that competition (stats via whoscored).
Keane is under contract at the Merseyside club until the summer of 2025. Hence, going out on loan will be a good chance for the player to impress and earn a permanent move away from Goodison Park in the future.
Should Everton Head Coach Frank Lampard Let Keane Go On Loan This January?
On his day, Keane can be a rock at the back as he can read the danger quickly to earn the ball back for his side on the defensive third of the pitch. He usually clears his lines when needed and can use his strong 1.88m frame to win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his team. Keane is also proficient at playing his way out from the back.
At the moment, the English defender is in dire need to secure more playing time at the highest level. Hence, a loan move ahead from Everton makes sense for him as he has fallen behind Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in Frank Lampard‘s pecking order at Goodison Park.
At 29, Keane is not getting any younger, so it is only fair to the defender if the Merseyside club lets him go out on loan this winter. A successful loan spell could even help Everton get a decent resale value for him if they choose to move him on permanently in the future. With all things considered, it will be a good move for both Keane and the Merseyside club if they choose to temporarily part ways with each other when the transfer reopens at the start of next year.
