Everton may now sign a ‘no-fuss’ contract using an unusual contract option. viewpoint of a 31-year-old defender
Phil Jones is a free agent at the moment, and Everton should consider signing him.
Phil Jones left Manchester United at the end of last season as his contract expired after twelve seasons at Old Trafford. Jones played 229 times for the Red Devils and was a member of the team that won the Premier League in 2013.
However, in the last three seasons, the 31-year-old defender has only made five senior appearances for the club in all competitions. He didn’t play last season because of injuries, which have plagued his career.
Jones has been dealing with a major knee problem that has kept him out of the race for the previous few years. At one point, he told the official Manchester United website that he didn’t know if he’d ever play again.
He is a quality player when he is fit and at his best. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously lauded Jones’ mindset, describing him as a “no fuss” professional, according to The Mirror.
Now, the 27-cap England international is without a club and in desperate need of a lifeline in order to continue playing. Everton should consider lending Jones a hand if the player is willing to join the club under certain conditions.
How Everton can make the Jones deal work in their favor
Given the club’s delicate financial state, Sean Dyche cannot afford to sign a normal deal to a player as prone to injury as Jones. However, there are other options that the Toffees’ owner could examine.
‘Pay-as-you-play’ contracts are uncommon in the Premier League, but they have been offered to injury-prone players in the past. Essentially, this form of contract means that a player is only paid when they actually play for the club.
According to The Express, Manchester United offered such a contract to Owen Hargreaves in 2011.
The Express also reported in 2015 that Arsene Wenger was willing to hand Abou Diaby a pay-as-you-play contract. Both players had serious injury difficulties, but their talent made them obvious first-team candidates when fully fit.
Jones may be considered in a similar category by Everton. They are lacking in quality defensive depth, and offering such terms to a centre-back would pose little risk to the club. Dyche has already mentioned that he is looking for a good deal in the free agent market, and this could be the perfect fit for him.
If Jones is willing to accept such a deal and then becomes healthy and ready to play Premier League games, he may be a valuable addition at the back for Everton.
