Kyle Walker has emerged as a serious target for Everton as they look to build David Moyes’s squad heading into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Moyes is in the market for a right-back following Ashley Young’s departure from the club at the end of the month, with Walker among the candidates they are willing to explore.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Walker, 35, was not taken to the Club World Cup with Manchester City and will be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium having spent eight years at the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He was loaned out to AC Milan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign and returned this month, although is not expected to be returning to Italy for a second spell at the San Siro.
While he is assessing his next options, Everton could be an attractive destination in terms of location and their ambitious plans as they start next season in a brand new ground after leaving Goodison Park.
Moyes played Jake O’Brien at right-back but is looking at options to provide competition in that area, with the Republic of Ireland international also able to play as a centre-back. The club released Young along with Abdoulaye Doucouré, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay at the end of their deals this summer.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Walker was at fault for one of Senegal’s goals in England’s 3-1 defeat at the City Ground, although Thomas Tuchel, the head coach, defended him by insisting he was out of rhythm after a recent shoulder injury.
But the England manager also praised Walker’s presence in the camp and his performances in training, backing him to recover from his mistake.
“I think at the moment you see a lack of rhythm. Because he did not play the last matches, not many minutes for AC Milan,” Tuchel said. “And after his broken elbow he lost his rhythm, that’s what you feel in camp. I saw him very composed.
England's Kyle Walker looks dejected after Senegal's Cheikh Sabaly scores their third goal
Walker looked off the pace for England in the 3-1 defeat by Senegal at the City Ground - Reuters/Phil Noble
“I saw him very open. I saw him absolutely happy to be in camp and proud to be in camp. He trained very well. Every single player who played today deserved it, over two camps or in this camp, to play, to start, to come in. That counts also for Kyle. I feel a lack of rhythm in his game.”