Phil Jagielka recently confirmed he’d be leaving Everton at the end of his contract on June 30. He made no suggestion of retirement in his parting statements and may already have an offer to weigh up. According to Mike McGrath of The Sun, Celtic are keen on the 36-year-old and are hoping to have more success in procuring his signature than they did in January.
Jagielka made seven appearances for Everton last season, the last of which came against Burnley on May 3. The England international ended a 12-year stay at Goodison Park that saw him make 385 appearances in all competitions, but he’s reportedly open to a fresh challenge. He had interest from Celtic in January, but Marco Silva needed Jagielka to stay to provide depth at the back.
This summer is a different story, however, as the Toffees have the entire summer to sign his replacement. Jagielka fell down the pecking order to Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Kurt Zouma in 2018/19 and is now deemed surplus to requirements. Celtic want his experience at the back for next season and are expected to make a move for the £50k-per-week centre-back.
Time will tell if Neil Lennon can land his man.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘Fantastic servant’, ‘Superb’ – some fans hail Everton man after he announces departure