Share

Baines pens new Toffee deal

Liverpool - England left-back Leighton Baines has signed a new four-year contract with Everton, manager Roberto Martinez confirmed on Monday.

Baines had been linked with a move to Manchester United where he would have teamed up with former manager David Moyes.

But the 29-year-old has now committed to the Merseyside club a day before their derby against Liverpool in the Premier League.

"I can give you good news, Leighton Baines has signed a new contract. It is for the next four years," said Martinez.

"To be able to secure Leighton's best years at Everton means a lot, especially in this January (transfer) window where we are talking about having a strong squad going into the second half of the season."

Baines arrived from Wigan in August 2007 and had 18 months remaining on his contract.

"We are all excited that Leighton will be able to have a long-term future with the club and we are all looking forward to the second half of the season having his experience."

Martinez said the fact they had managed to stave off interest from United and persuade Baines to sign a new deal spoke volumes.

"It represents a strong intent of trying to progress and get stronger and Leighton will bring that on the football pitch," he added.

"He has been performing as one the best left-backs in European football and the best is yet to come.

"To have Leighton with the focus and tranquility to be at Everton for the long term is an incredible boost."

News of Baines's contract extension came as Everton faced up the fact that their other specialist left-back, Bryan Oviedo, was set to have surgery later Monday following a double fracture of his leg in the FA Cup win at Stevenage.

However, Martinez said it was too soon to rule out Oviedo from appearing for Costa Rica in this year's World Cup finals in Brazil, which start in June.

"Bryan is in great spirits as it has been two difficult days," said Martinez.

"He has been inundated with messages of support and affection and he is a really positive guy.

"Today is an important day as he will go for surgery and we hope he quickly recovers.

"You are usually talking about a broad timescale of five to six months but I think Bryan will be a little less than that and if he can make it to the World Cup that will be an incredible boost.

"We can't say he will miss the World Cup or not, it is still up in the air."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE