Longtime Everton defender Leighton Baines is approaching 14 years at the club after joining from Wigan Athletic back in July 2007.
Leighton Baines Heading Towards 14 Years at Everton
Proven Bargain
Baines joined Everton back in 2007 for a fee of £5 million, rising to £6 million, after rejecting a move to Sunderland. In today’s market especially, with the benefit of hindsight, that was an absolute steal by David Moyes and Bill Kenwright.
The former Wigan left-back has made over 400 appearances for the Toffees. The closest Baines has come to silverware at the Merseyside club is an FA Cup runners-up medal. Despite that, he has managed to establish himself as a Blues legend.
Individual Appreciation
It could still be debated that Leighton Baines has lived a career of under-appreciation. He is unquestionably among the Premier League’s finest full-backs of the last decade-plus. Baines has featured in the PFA Team of the Year twice, as well as being named Everton Player of the Season on two occasions. He is a three-time Players’ Player of the Season at the club too.
Baines is famous for his superb ability on set pieces. An excellent penalty taker and could strike some stunning free-kicks too. As he proved, when winning the club’s Goal of the Season, with a beautifully placed free-kick goal vs Chelsea in 2010/2011.
International Achievement
At the start of Baines’ England career in 2010, he was always going to have to be behind Ashley Cole, one of England’s greatest ever. But he has done well to make 30 appearances for his country, including featuring at the 2014 World Cup, all be it, that being a disappointing competition for the Three Lions.
Manchester United Interest
Ahead of the 2013/14 season, Manchester United had just taken Everton manager David Moyes to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson. Moyes tried to take Baines to Manchester with him. It’s not entirely known as to whether Baines wanted the move as he didn’t take any steps to push Everton into accepting an offer. However, he remained loyal to the Toffees and stuck around unaffected by the prospect of a move to Old Trafford. All remains a distant memory now, much to the fans’ admiration.
Current Prospects
Baines, 35, has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park, with former Paris Saint-Germain full-back Lucas Digne now preferred. The former England international has made just six appearances all season, though managed to bag a goal against Leicester City in the League Cup quarter-finals. However, Paul Joyce reports that he has been offered a 1-year extension, taking him towards 14 years in Liverpool. Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful he will accept the proposal and provide competition for Digne.
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