Mason Holgate had an uncertain future following his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion, but reports revealed the 22-year-old would be in the Everton first-team next season. His role was initially undefined due to competition from Michael Keane & Yerry Mina at centre-back and Seamus Coleman at right-back, but it appears Marco Silva does have plans for him.
According to Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo, Holgate will be used as one of three central defenders fighting for a starting place. Everton are still on the hunt for Kurt Zouma, but Holgate has a future at Goodison Park regardless. The 22-year-old has made 48 appearances in all competitions since joining from Barnsley in 2015, but his last outing came 10 months ago.
The England u21 international fell down the pecking order under Silva and was forced to spend the second half of last season on loan at West Brom (January 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019) to get regular playing time. Holgate made 23 appearances for the Championship side and was a standout performer. With Everton struggling to sign a new centre-back and right-back, Holgate’s versatility could prove useful.
Without the £25k-per-week man, Everton will only have two first-team centre-backs and one right-back to take into next season. Holgate proved his worth out on loan but Silva has to keep the defender due to a lack of depth.