Everton have brought Michael Keane from Burnley to strengthen their defence, as they are in the middle of a spending spree this summer, having already bagged two of the young and influential players from the last season in European football. The Toffees have brought in Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen from the Dutch Eredivisie and the brilliant goalkeeper from Sunderland Jordan Pickford as their first two signings to strengthen their side for the next season.
They also have clinched their fourth signing for the season in the form of Sandro Ramirez, who is set to stay on a five-year deal at Finch Firm.
Keane joins Everton after being supposedly courted by a number of top clubs in the Premier League and that is a testament to the fact that the Toffees are slowly but surely reaching a stage where they can go toe to toe with most of the clubs around them.
The Toffees have been in pursuit of the English centre back for quite a while, who has been in brilliant form for his club Burnley in the last term and was one of the top defenders in the Premier League. The 24-year-old started his career with Manchester United in their youth academy and made his way into the senior side in 2014. However, he made only one appearance in the season and was sent on loan to the then Championship side Burnley, where he signed a permanent deal in January after they clinched promotion in the next season, largely due to his brilliant performance.
Burnley will be more than happy with the amount they recouped from the sale of the England star and the fans are unlikely to have any hard feelings towards him considering his contribution and the lack of controversy surrounding his exit. He is likely to slot straight into the starting lineup and will usher in a new era at Goodison Park. Koeman is known to work well with youngsters and it will be interesting to chart Kean’s development from here.
With Ramiro Funes Mori likely to stay back, the young Englishman will most likely compete with him for a role alongside Ashley Williams. Jagielka is unlikely to play a major part and might as well make an exit for regular game time elsewhere.
This is how Everton should line-up with Michael Keane-
Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Williams, Baines, Gueye, Schneiderlin, McCarthy/Klaassen, Davies, Klaassen/Barkley, Ramirez
