Roberto Martinez is planning for another season with Samuel Eto’o as the striker edges towards triggering the clause that will extend his stay with Everton.
Eto’o signed a 12-month contract when he joined in August, with the option of another year included in the terms. Eto’o will get an extra season if he starts 15 times for Everton, so far he has made 5 starts with four appearances from the bench.
The striker who was effective against Sunday’s 3-1 victory against Burnley was considered by Liverpool and West Ham but Everton believe they were always his first choice.
‘It’s just natural he will get another year,’ said Martinez. ‘The option for a second year is based on number of starts, so it will come automatically. All I want is for him to enjoy his football and convey the winning mentality he has to the rest of the team.
‘I always thought his period at Everton would be a minimum of two years, because the option reflects that. ‘He could trigger the clause very soon, the way he’s playing. But the clause is not in my mind, his mind.
‘He could have chosen any league in the world. He chose Everton because he wants to be successful.’