Everton have reached an agreement to sign Kenny Tete on a free-year deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Toffees are set for an incredibly busy summer transfer window after seeing a host of players depart on free transfers. Ashley Young has already headed through the exit door, while Seamus Coleman is also out of contract, meaning a new right-back could be high on their priority list.
Although a departure for Coleman is yet to be confirmed, the Irish international is reaching the latter stages of his career and has struggled with injuries recently. David Moyes opted to play Jake O'Brien, who is naturally a centre-back, on the right-hand side of defence during the 2024/2025 season, showing that the right-back area needs bodies.
Fabrizio Romano: Everton Reach Agreement for Tete
Three-year deal in place
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According to Romano, Everton have reached a verbal agreement to sign former Fulham defender Tete as a free-agent, with a three-year deal in place. Formal steps are set to follow next week, with Romano's famous 'here we go' expected soon.
Tete has played regularly for the Dutch national team and brings valuable Premier League experience, which Moyes will undoubtedly see as crucial for the upcoming season. Losing Young's leadership will have been a bit of a blow for the Toffees, while Abdoulaye Doucoure has also departed.
Although Everton supporters will want plenty of exciting, young, up-and-coming talents to arrive through the door in the coming weeks and months, but signings like Tete on free transfers will also be crucial. This will allow Everton to spend more significantly in priority areas, such as adding new forwards after a disappointing season in terms of production in front of goal.
Tete's injury record might be a slight concern for Everton, but it's a low-risk signing considering he's joining for nothing. Reports suggest that the Dutch right-back was earning around £50k-a-week at Fulham, so he's unlikely to be demanding hefty wages for the Toffees.
It's a significant summer ahead for Everton as they enter a new era at their state-of-the-art stadium on Bramley Moore Docks, with a host of players likely to arrive through the door considering their paper-thin squad.
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