Everton sent Mason Holgate out on loan to West Bromwich Albion in January and he has played six Championship games so far.
Phil Jagielka is likely to bring an end to his long Everton career in a few months.
A £4 million signing from Sheffield United in the summer of 2017 (BBC), the centre-back has been a huge success at Goodison Park, making 380 appearances for the Toffees while being named the club’s captain six years ago after the retirement of Phil Neville.
But, at the age of 36, Jagielka’s best days are behind him. With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, it seems he is on borrowed time on Merseyside.
Fortunately, however, Everton might not need to pay big to replace the 40-capped England international. In Mason Holgate, they have a young, promising centre-back waiting in the wings and desperate to prove he deserves a second chance.
The 22-year-old moved to West Brom on loan in the January transfer window and he has shone at The Hawthorns, reminding everyone why he was tipped for big things at Everton before the summer signings of Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina.
Holgate was outstanding as West Brom beat rivals Aston Villa 2-0 away from home on Saturday, producing a stellar defensive performance against the in-form Tammy Abraham before setting up Hal Robson-Kanu’s opener with a sublime cross.
On this form, Holgate could save Everton a lot of money in the summer with Jagielka on his last legs.
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