Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe has moved quick to defend a contract decision announced by the club.
Everton are set to be in for a busy summer transfer window with the Premier League cracking down on the profit & sustainability rules which the Toffees are understood to be teetering over the edge on.
Summer after summer of questionable spending on Merseyside ultimately led to a points deduction for Everton last season but the club, under Sean Dyche, survived relegation despite this.
Selling to buy this summer could be vital for the Toffees with Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite attracting interest from elsewhere this summer.
Anichebe hits back at criticism over Everton contract decision
With money potentially being an issue at Goodison Park this summer, renewals to current players may just be as important as new additions for the Toffees.
One contract renewal that Everton have made has received a mixed response in an extension for 38-year-old defender Ashley Young.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa winger moved to Goodison Park last summer and made 31 Premier League appearances under Dyche last season.
Young’s deal at Goodison Park was originally set to expire this summer but the hierarchy at Everton rewarded the right-back with a new one-year deal.
Fans of the Toffees, however, were not happy with this renewal with Young surely approaching the twilight of his illustrious career in football.
Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe has come out to defend Young, with Everton confirming on their Instagram that the Englishman would be remaining on Mersyeyside.
“I don’t understand what people are complaining about,” Anichebe wrote on Everton’s Instagram account. “He won’t be on big wages, adds much needed experience which is key!
“When we were coming through, guys like this were key: Duncan Ferguson, Weir, Kilbaine, Naismith, the list goes on. Whenever called upon they’re there and will keep the standards high in training.
“Lets get the new owner in and the future is bright for the club going into a new stadium.”
Young’s impact at Goodison Park
As mentioned, the defender played 31 Premier League games for the Toffees and was always available to Dyche when called upon.
Dyche was very pleased the club managed to keep the 38-year-old, he told the club’s media channels: “We’re pleased to have secured Ashley’s future for next season. His qualities – both on and off the pitch – meant he was an important figure for us.
“He’s someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years and his depth of experience, leadership and versatility will undoubtedly help us again heading into next season.”
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