Everton captain Phil Jagielka has admitted that there could be massive changes to the playing staff come the end of the summer transfer window.
The Toffees face a mass exodus during the off-season due to their poor league position as well as several established players out of contract. Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar and Darron Gibson all look set to leave the club with no contract renewals expected before next season. Tim Howard has also completed his transfer to Colorado Rapids while Aiden McGeady could make his switch to Sheffield Wednesday permanent.
Romelu Lukaku and John Stones have also been linked with a move away from the club with both Manchester club’s chasing the latter’s signature, which could spark a hugely important summer for the Blues who would have to replace almost half of their squad in one transfer window.
Speaking about the club’s position, Jagielka explained:
There is going to be a lot of change in the playing squad. I am not sure the squad is going to be big enough for the start of next season with the people who are leaving. There could be double figures leaving which is a lot. We are not talking about young lads as well. We are talking about established first-team players. We have got a few players who are coming out of contract, players who have had rumours throughout the season about moves and things, so not only is the staff going to change the squad is going to change massively as well.
Speaking on Everton’s disappointing season, Jagielka also explained that the season may not have been as bad as many are making out. He said:
It is easy to say it has been a season of underachievement but we have had two great cup runs. Our league form hasn’t been as good as it is should have been, but things haven’t been as bad as people have made out. Football is a results business and unfortunately for us in the league it is not what we have wanted.
In the end that is what cost the manager the job. It is as simple as that. There were things put on TV, the last 10 results, and unfortunately that was the state of play.
