Keith Wyness: Everton could yet sell Vitaliy Mykolenko - 'this is the real story'

Everton could still sell Vitaliy Mykolenko this summer despite handing him a new three-year contract.

That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that his former club's move to tie the left-back down was mainly in the interest of "asset protection."

The Ukraine international penned a fresh contract extension earlier this week, in a move that prevented him from potentially departing as a free agent at the end of June.

Wyness made it clear that he doesn't understand the level of frustration towards the 27-year-old from some Everton fans, but added that his new deal doesn't necessarily secure his future.

Mykolenko is in line to turn out in his fifth full campaign for the Merseysiders next term, having started 33 Premier League games in 2025-26.

The full-back positions have been earmarked as potential areas of improvement by David Moyes heading into the summer window.

Keith Wyness: Vitalii Mykolenko can still do a 'great job'

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Mykolenko deserves more respect than he gets at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The defender has been targeted by fans at times who believe he provides limited quality going forward, but Wyness is clear that he is still a capable Premier League player.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness made it clear that Everton have done the right thing by getting him to agree a new deal.

"He's not a fan favourite, although actually I have quite a reasonable opinion of Mykolenko," he said.

"I think he's been a very good club servant, and there's the occasional mistake, but overall, you can't doubt his effort and energy.

"More than anything else, though, rather than a sign of giving him a long-term contract, it's more about protecting the asset. And if he is to be moved on, then he's got some value, and I think he can still do a great job for a lot of clubs.

"I don't necessarily take it as a sign that he is going to be there and stuck as the left-back for the next few seasons. I think it's more about Everton protecting that asset, and I think that's really the story behind that contract renewal."

Mykolenko contract extension a popular move among Everton squad

Mykolenko's new deal at Everton has won plenty of plaudits from Toffees players past and present in recent days.

Former striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin commented on the defender's Instagram post after he put pen to paper, as he simply wrote: "Well deserved my friend."

There were also comments from current teammates like Michael Keane and Jake O'Brien, who have also been crucial parts of Moyes' defensive unit.

Mykolenko's new deal is clearly a popular move within the squad, as he has had no shortage of well wishes since his new deal was confirmed.