Everton make decision on Asmir Begovic future

Everton have taken up the option of extending goalkeeper Asmir Begovic’s contract for a second year.

Begovic joined the Blues on a free transfer last summer from Bournemouth. His one-year deal included the option for a second and, as the club go into the final week of the season, it was confirmed they had agreed to retain the 34-year-old until 2023.

Begovic, who has played six times so far this term, offers vastly-experienced cover for Everton and England number one Jordan Pickford. His past clubs include Portsmouth, Stoke City, Chelsea and the aforementioned Cherries as well as loan spells at Macclesfield Town, Yeovil Town and Ipswich Town. Capped 63 times for Bosnia and Herzegovina, his family fled war in his homeland when he was four years old, eventually settling in Germany and later Canada. Just last week he discussed his experiences at an ‘Everton Welcomes’ event which highlighted the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.

Although his playing time has been limited under both Rafael Benitez and then Frank Lampard, Begovic has proven a capable understudy when called upon. He enjoyed a dramatic entry to the club last summer when he helped the Blues to lift the Florida Cup on his debut in Orlando, scoring the winning goal in a penalty shoot-out victory over Colombian side Millonarios.