Fabian Delph will need a major turnaround to earn a new contract at Everton, according to The Athletic, having entered the final year of his current terms at Goodison Park.
Delph signed a three-year deal with the Toffees in the summer of 2019 after joining from Manchester City for £8.5m. The Blues’ move for the former England international could rise to £10m with add-ons, but he may not see out all 36-months of his terms.
The Liverpool Echo reported last week that Rafa Benitez has told Delph, James Rodriguez, Jonjoe Kenny and Cenk Tosun that they are not a part of his plans. Benitez also left Delph out of Everton’s pre-season tour of the US, after fielding him in both of their previous ties.
Everton cited Delph coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for Covid-19 for his absence in America. But the £80,000-per-week midfielder faces an uncertain future on his return to training, having completed a 10-day quarantine last Friday.
Delph has suffered with repeated injuries since leaving the Etihad Stadium for Goodison Park. Those issues helped ensure he only featured eight times in the Premier League last season. Although former boss Carlo Ancelotti also often preferred alternative options.
Now, with Benitez green lighting the Marco Silva signing’s exit, Everton could sell Delph to avoid him leaving for free. The Athletic report the 31-year-old needs a ‘major turnaround’ in his fitness and form to earn a new contract.
Delph must do enough to convince Benitez that he can play a major part in the Spaniard’s plans. Certainly, he must start more than the two league fixtures he opened last term and likely the 13 from 2019/20 to show he should be kept on into another campaign.
Should Everton cut their losses on Delph this summer?
Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands will likely be scouring the market for a suitor willing to buy Delph. Benitez’s instant willingness to part with the 20-cap midfielder shows he is unlikely to play often in his first season.
Cashing in now could see Everton recoup a considerable amount of their investment and avoid Delph leaving for free. But his injury record – having missed 23 top-flight games last term – could be too worrisome for clubs to spend.
Especially with Delph earning handsomely on Merseyside without the recent on-pitch record for them to justify matching his wage. Even though Ancelotti labelled the Silva signing a ‘really important’ part of his squad, via the Everton website, last year.
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