View: Everton star may hand David Moyes a contract dilemma after international comments

Seamus Coleman has been urged to continue his playing career after impressing for the Republic of Ireland, which may lead to a rethink at Everton.

Coleman has played more than 400 times for Everton since making his debut in the 2009-10 season following his move from Sligo.

But at the grand old age of 37, the right-back’s influence at the Toffees is waning, with Coleman featuring just five times this season.

His contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is up in the summer, and for now, there has yet to be a breakthrough over a new deal.

But, going by Irish boss Heimir Hallgrímsson, he doesn’t think the veteran should be hanging up his boots anytime soon. Whether Everton keep him on, though, is another matter.

Ireland boss wants Seamus Coleman to extend career

Despite playing less than 10 minutes for Everton in the last three months, Coleman started against the Czech Republic in their World Cup semi-final play-off.

The Everton stalwart played 96 minutes of the contest and impressed in their brave defeat at Fortuna Arena in Prague last Thursday.

Coleman was less impressive in their goalless draw with North Macedonia on Tuesday, with the defender wiping away tears during the Irish national anthem, potentially suggesting this may have been his curtain call.

But Hallgrímsson wants him to play at the 2028 European Championships, when Coleman will be approaching 40.

He told reporters, “Hopefully for the Euros played in Ireland, that would be fantastic for him if he were playing at that time.

“We had a good talk and we want him to go as long as he can. Our desire is to keep him for a long time. He is good to help the young players grow. He is a good player. Why should he retire?”

Coleman is in the last months of his Everton contract after signing a new one-year deal last summer. As the Toffees try to secure European football, it seems unlikely that they will keep him on next season.

But that doesn’t mean that he will end his playing career in 2026.

Everton need to put feelings aside with Coleman

Despite Hallgrímsson’s passionate remarks, there can be no room for sentiment in elite football.

Coleman has barely played for Everton this season, and as they try to qualify for Europe for the first time since 2018, the veteran is unlikely to get many, if any, outings in the coming weeks.

Yes, he has done a lot for this club, but Everton cannot really afford to have passengers in their team.

Coleman, who drew wide acclaim for his Ireland displays, has spoken highly of Moyes since his return to Everton, but the Scot may look for other full-back options in the transfer market.

If the Merseyside outfit wants to kick on, the Coleman era may be drawing to a close.

The post View: Everton star may hand David Moyes a contract dilemma after international comments appeared first on Goodison News.