EVERTON BOMBSHELL: SUPERSTAR EXPLODES IN FURY, BRANDS JANUARY EXIT RUMORS AS “COMPLETE AND UTTER LIE” AFTER CATASTROPHIC SEASON START – YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT HE SAID NEXT!
Everton risk losing Vitalii Mykolenko on a free transfer next summer, but the Ukrainian defender insists he is happy to remain at the club.
Vitalii Mykolenko has firmly dismissed recent rumours suggesting he plans to leave Everton during the January transfer window.
The Ukrainian defender’s current deal with the Toffees expires in June, allowing him to begin negotiations over a summer free transfer from January onwards.
However, Mykolenko has made it clear that he has no intention of departing Goodison Park anytime soon.
The 26-year-old joined Everton from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2022 for a fee of £17 million and has since become a reliable figure at left-back, amassing 131 appearances across all competitions.
After missing the start of the current campaign through injury, Mykolenko has regained both full fitness and his spot in David Moyes’ starting XI, featuring in nine matches so far. He completed 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Monday night.
Reports from Ukraine recently claimed that Mykolenko intends to reject a contract extension and pursue an exit in 2026.
However, speaking to journalist Viktor Vatsko on his Vatsko Live YouTube channel, the defender denied those claims outright.
“The talk that I don’t want to negotiate a contract with Everton is a complete lie,” he insisted.
“We just haven’t had those discussions yet. My agent will soon meet with the club’s representatives.
I love playing for Everton, I really enjoy being here, and my family feels comfortable living in England. There’s honestly nothing else to add.”
When asked if uncertainty over his future affects him, Mykolenko responded confidently: “It doesn’t impact me at all. I know exactly how the manager and the club view me.
Even if there are no offers in January, it won’t bother me. I’m a professional, and I’ll fulfil my contract 100 per cent. I’m not someone who stops working hard because of off-field matters — that’s not who I am.”
According to The Liverpool Echo, Everton’s current focus in terms of new contracts is on midfielder James Garner, following James Tarkowski’s recent extension.
Mykolenko, meanwhile, has been linked with clubs in Spain and Italy, though Everton already appear to be planning for the future at left-back.
In July, the club signed 18-year-old Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich for a reported £8 million fee.
While the young Spaniard is yet to challenge for a first-team place, Moyes has praised his potential, saying: “He’s got a bit of work to do before he’s ready for senior football, but we knew that when we signed him.”
