Everton Had Replacement Deal in Place for Michael Keane Before He Signed New Contract
Everton came remarkably close to parting ways with Michael Keane this summer—so close, in fact, that a deal for his replacement had already been agreed before circumstances changed dramatically in his favor.
The experienced defender, who has been a cornerstone of Everton’s early season success, was initially expected to be among the players departing once his contract expired. Yet, Keane’s impressive displays on the pitch, particularly during a crucial period at the end of last season, prompted a last-minute change of heart from the club’s hierarchy.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman described Keane’s start to the new campaign as “outstanding”—a sentiment that has been widely shared at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. With Jarrad Branthwaite sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Everton boss David Moyes found himself with limited options in central defense. That left Keane and James Tarkowski as the club’s only fit senior centre-backs heading into the new season.
Despite the pressure, the duo rose to the challenge, delivering solid performances across multiple competitions. The pair helped Everton secure three clean sheets in just five matches, setting a strong defensive foundation as the team looked to steady itself in the early going.
Keane’s performances have not only been consistent—they’ve also been vital. He even got on the scoresheet in a key match against Fulham, helping Everton secure one of three consecutive victories to close out last season. In those three games, Everton conceded just one goal, and Keane’s leadership at the back played a crucial role in the team’s late surge.
Although Branthwaite is nearing full fitness again and expected to re-enter the starting lineup soon, it remains to be seen whether Moyes will immediately drop Keane, especially given his recent form. The veteran defender is even poised to make history in the upcoming Merseyside Derby against Liverpool—an opportunity that would have never materialized had the club gone through with their original transfer plans.
Deal in Place with Brighton for Adam Webster
Before Keane signed a new contract, Everton had already prepared for life without him. According to a report by the Liverpool Echo, the Toffees had struck a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for centre-back Adam Webster, who was lined up as a direct replacement.
This move, at the time, seemed like a logical step. Keane had been in and out of the squad earlier in the season under Sean Dyche and, with his contract winding down, the club began planning for his exit. However, his resurgence in the final weeks forced Everton to reconsider.
In hindsight, the club will be counting their blessings that they held off on finalizing the Webster deal. The Brighton defender is now set to miss a large portion of the current season due to knee surgery he underwent in July. Had Everton followed through on that transfer, they could have been left dangerously short at centre-back once again—with neither Keane nor his intended replacement available.
A Risk That Paid Off
Everton’s decision to offer Michael Keane a contract extension instead of bringing in Webster is now looking like a masterstroke. Not only has Keane proven his worth on the pitch, but the alternative option would have left them in a far more vulnerable position defensively.
What initially seemed like a pragmatic plan to refresh the squad has turned into a case study in the value of experience and form. With Keane back to his best and Branthwaite close to full recovery, Moyes suddenly has options—and that’s a problem any manager would be happy to have.
In the unpredictable world of football, it’s rare for a club to dodge a bullet so cleanly. But for Everton, sticking with Michael Keane may prove to be one of their smartest moves of the season.