I dont think it's too cynical to suggest he wont play for Everton again. It's obvious he wanted away. The pleasing thing is he's (apparently) recognised his debt to Everton and has (again apparently) allowed a situation whereby he leaves, but with a financial sweetener for the club.
It's best all round this. He wanted to play elsewhere for another club. If he didn't want to be patient and play for Everton then so be it. He can play elsewhere with other clubs paying his wages and then paying a proper fee for him.
I repeat: he'll have in all likelihood played his last game for Everton.
I am not sure I agree with all of this Davek. It is not obvious he wanted away, what's becoming quite clear was that he was always going to take the decision at the end of the season. I might be old fashioned but I always have an admiration for players/managers who see out their contract and then decide what to do next. I have more respect for that than people signing a contract then looking to move on.
As regards he won't play again. Well I think this assumes Martinez will reproduce what I consider to be
Moyes's biggest mistakes, namely becoming too close to experienced players. I think Martinez grasps that for whatever reason (which is our useless board) we will never have the finances to compete at the top end. So an approach that looks to stockpile older talent won't work. I think Martinez is more pragmatic and understands the need to rejuvenate the squad with younger players.
In a years time Baines will be 31. Most modern fullbacks, particularly in Martinez's teams have to very fit. Baines is a very fit lad currently and has no difficulties getting up and down, but in 12-18 months time who knows? I don't think Martinez was bluffing when he said he could look to use him in midfield going forward. We'll have had a year to look a Garbutt and see if he's up to Premier League Standard for Bournemouth.
The elephant in the room for all of this is Oviedo. When he has played he has also done very well and looks a natural fit for left back. I can't think of a single game he has played where he has let us down. He seems a great pro and if he can get his fitness back this pre season I suspect he will also be pushing Baines.
