According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Leighton Baines has been ‘offered a new deal’ by Everton. The 35-year-old’s contract is up at the end of June, but the Toffees have handed Baines a ‘one-year’ extension to keep him at Goodison Park until 2021.
Baines’ future was up in the air this summer as he was coming to the end of a one-year deal signed in June 2019 while spending the majority of the season out of the matchday squad or as an unused substitute.
The England international made six appearances before the campaign was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, scoring one goal.
Despite the lack of playing time, Baines proved himself as an able deputy for Lucas Digne, delivering outstanding performances in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United (December 15, 2019) and 3-2 defeat to Arsenal (February 23), so there’s still life in the old legs.
With Matty Foulds and Luke Garbutt expected to be released this summer, Everton will need a long-term replacement for Baines. Aaron Hickey has been linked with a move to Goodison Park, but it remains to be seen if they’ll beat out all the interest.
Nevertheless, another year of Baines on Merseyside is good news for everyone involved.