Liverpool Echo head of sport Dave Prentice has been discussing Maarten Stekelenburg’s supposed short-term contract extension.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo last week, the Dutch goalkeeper is ‘in line’ to have his contract extended until the end of the season.
That is due to the fact that the 37-year-old’s contract with the Toffees is currently set to expire at the end of this month (per Transfermarkt), before which only two of Everton’s remaining nine fixtures are scheduled to be played (per BBC).
So, in the latest episode of the Royal Blue Everton podcast, Prentice discussed the reported short-term contract extension for the ‘keeper.
He said: “It’s a no-brainer, really.
“He’s got experience, he’s played lots of first-team football for Everton, he’s reliable cover should anything happen to Jordan Pickford in the short term.
“You’re taking a gamble if you’re throwing Joao Virginia in there.
“So, no. Absolutely no queries or quibbles about that one at all.”
TIF Thoughts…
As stated by the journalist, he clearly believes that any decision taken by the club to extend Stekelenburg’s contract to the end of the season would be a smart one.
While the Dutchman has not made a single first-team appearance for the Toffees this season (per Transfermarkt), he has kept seven clean sheets over 26 appearances during his time at Goodison Park (per Transfermarkt).
Would the Toffees be right to give Maarten Stekelenburg a short-term contract extension?Yes, it's sensible
No, he needs to go
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As mentioned on Virginia, the Portuguese goalkeeper has not made a single appearance for Everton’s first team and, therefore, may not be ready for senior appearances for the club (per Transfermarkt).
So, it would seem that an extension for Stekelenburg would be a sensible decision with Jonas Lossl looking set to stay with Huddersfield Town on loan until the end of the season (per Liverpool Echo).