Carlo Ancelotti is looking to hand Leighton Baines a new contract, as has been reported by the club’s official channels.
The Italian said: “Our idea, the idea of the Club, is, ‘Don’t stop playing, stay with us for the next year’, we would like to keep him and are going to talk with him. It would be good for us if he can stay.
“Physically, he has no problem, it [Baines remaining beyond this season] depends on what he is thinking and whether he wants to continue. I think he wants to continue but it is his decision.”
The 32-year-old has made three Premier League starts and two substitute appearances this season, playing back-up to Lucas Digne.
During that time, he has averaged 1.6 tackles, 1 interception, 2 clearances and 1 key pass, while maintaining a pass success rate of 86.3%.
FFC writers have considered his age, status within the squad and quality to judge whether Everton are right to offer him a new contract.
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Matt Dawson
“Leighton Baines is the definition of a throwback. When you think of classic Premier League full-backs, you think of the Everton veteran. He has scored countless set-pieces for the Toffees but at the age of 35, there are probably better alternatives around.
“However, if Ancelotti is looking to hand the experienced professional a one-year extension then I see little wrong with doing so. After all, it’s not as though he’s first choice. Lucas Digne has established himself as one of the most adventurous full-backs in the division, assisting five strikes this term, and easily has that role locked down. Baines will only be required to play a handful of games and despite his ageing legs, has proven himself still capable at this level.
“Against Manchester United he rolled back the years to win four defensive duels and play three key passes. Ancelotti would be right to give him a short-term contract. There is little wrong with this idea.”
Viji Jeevathayalan
“At 35, Leighton Baines is approaching the very end of his career, and whilst his recent performances should keep him in the first-team frame for the rest of this season, Carlo Ancelotti must be ruthless with the veteran.
“The Toffees have already shown the door to another Premier League stalwart in Phil Jagielka in recent times, and it’s the right moment for them to do the same with Baines. Ancelotti has to look towards the future, and having the left-back taking up a valuable first-team spot just isn’t right for the good of the club.
“Whether it’s a new signing to compete with Lucas Digne, or handing a well-earned promotion to an academy product, the Everton boss has plenty of options to him. But Ancelotti must close the door to the sentiment of extending Baines’ deal at the club.”
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Billy Meyers
“Ancelotti isn’t being wise here. It looked as if Baines might’ve played his last season for Everton back in the summer before he was offered a new contract, but all that should’ve done was buy the Toffees some time to find a more challenging source of competition for Lucas Digne.
“In that respect, tying Baines down to yet another contract would sum up how poor Everton’s planning is. They shouldn’t even be thinking about handing the England international a new contract, despite the fact that he has played well recently and is also a club icon – the time for sentimentality has been and gone, and Everton must look to actually find a serious, long-term option to jostle with Digne rather than continuing to delay Baines’ trip to the retirement home.”
Danny Lewis
“Giving Baines a new contract could prove to be worthwhile. As has already been mentioned, Digne has shown that he is Everton’s undisputed starting left-back, so Baines’ involvements will only need to be sporadic.
“However, this does act as a reminder of how silly a decision it was to allow Antonee Robinson to leave for Wigan Athletic, as this could have been the perfect time for the USMNT to get more involvements at Goodison Park.
“The 22-year-old has played 29 times for the Latics this season, scoring one goal, while averaging 2.3 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2.8 clearances and 1.9 dribbles.”
Meanwhile, Everton fans were thrilled by one man’s contract situation.
