Everton captain Phil Jagielka has braced supporters for a summer of change after admitting that as many as 10 players could leave Goodison Park this summer.
The Blues closed out a disappointing campaign in 11th place following Sunday’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Norwich, and head into the close season in search of a new manager following Thursday’s sacking of Roberto Martinez.
But Jagielka has admitted that he also expects to see a major overhaul of the playing staff this summer, as up to 10 first-team players head for the Goodison Park exit door.
He said: “There is going to be a lot of change in the playing squad. I am not sure the squad is going to be big enough for the start of next season with the people who are leaving.
“It is a case of the club deciding what sort of squad and formula they want to go for both on the pitch and off the pitch. That will determine what manager they want.
“I am not sure exactly what will go on but there could be double figures leaving, which is a lot.
“We are not talking about young lads either. We are talking about established first-team players.”
Wantaway duo Romelu Lukaku and John Stones may join outgoing veterans such as Tim Howard, Leon Osman, Darron Gibson and Steven Piennar in leaving the club during the window, but Jagielka insisted that the Blues must look to move forward next season in spite of the expected summer overhaul.
“It is going to be a big change of personnel and that will play a big part in who will get the chance to manage the club.
“I am sure coming back for pre-season there will be a lot of things different, but the main thing is Everton Football Club moves forward and keeps progressing.”