Phil Jagielka would find it hard to play regularly for Everton next season following the signing of Michael Keane in the summer transfer window.
The signing of Michael Keane from Burnley in the summer transfer window is going to make it hard for Jagielka to play regularly for the Toffees next season.
However, the 34-year-old centre-back is full of confidence, and told The Sunday People (print edition, page 58, July 16, 2017): “I’m good to go – I’m all ready. My aim is to put a marker down. Be in and round the team.”
“I was certain that the manager would sign at least one centre-half,” added Jagielka. “Competition for places in football is nothing new.
“If I get the chance to start the first few games, great. If not, I’ll just knuckle down and take my time.”
While it is admirable that Jagielka wants to stay at Everton and fight for his place, perhaps it would be better if he leaves Goodison Park.
The 34-year-old centre-back made 25 starts in the Premier League last season, and with Keane in the team, the England international is going to slip further down in the pecking order.
Jagielka still has at least two or three more years left in him, and it would be a shame if he wastes an entire season as a substitute.
Signed from Sheffield United in the summer of 2007 for a transfer fee reported by BBC Sport to be worth £4 million, the England international centre-back has established himself in the Premier League and has proved himself in the English top flight.
The veteran could still do a job for a club in the Premier League, and it would be better for him if he leaves Goodison Park in the summer transfer window.
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