Everton confirm exit of three players before end of Premier League season as one decision branded a 'mistake'

Everton have announced that three players will leave the club at the end of the Premier League season - but fans are branding one decision as a 'mistake'.

The Toffees have eight players out of contract next month, with the returns of five loanees to their parent clubs meaning that up to 13 players could depart in the summer.

Ahead of the first transfer window under new owners The Friedkin Group, and with Everton moving into their new stadium, fans are feeling optimistic for the new campaign for the first time in several years.

But they appear to have mixed feelings on Everton's first batch of released players.

The Toffees have announced that Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia will all leave the club at the end of their contracts.

While Begovic and Virginia have acted as backup goalkeepers at Goodison Park, the departure of 39-year-old Young has been greeted with concern.

One fan wrote: "Big mistake letting Young go imo."

Another said: "Should have kept Young for another year... lots of work to do in the summer."

A third stated: "Strange one to let Young go, he was the perfect cover in multiple conditions."

And a fourth added: "Young was my only banker to stay."

Young signed for Everton on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 and has since made 61 Premier League appearances for the club.

The 39-year-old has played at both right-back and left-back for the Toffees and can also operate further forward if required.

Blues boss Moyes said: "Since my return to the club, I've seen what a great professional Ash is and know the leadership qualities he has brought to the squad during his time at Everton.

"His versatility, experience and know-how have also been really beneficial to the team and me.

"This is a complicated situation in many respects, with so many players out of contract this summer. It's important to me to speak with all of those players, individually, to give them clarity on their situations."

Michael Keane, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman are also out of contract next month but Everton are yet to announce decisions over their futures.