Everton needed a right back in the summer transfer window, but Cesc Fabregas’s offer put an end to a possible chance of that happening.
It was clear from the get-go this summer that a right-back was a priority in David Moyes’ plans.
This was even before injury concerns, as Jake O’Brien was promised a centre-back role instead of playing out of position like he has been.
Although he’s flourished in that area, Everton hoped to sign a full back on deadline day, but Merlin Rohl was their only piece of business.
Well, even before the deadline, the Toffees were searching for the right candidate, and an official offer was submitted by Everton, which was swept under the carpet.
Como boss Cesc Fabregas.
Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images
Everton submitted bid for Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali but Cesc Fabregas’ Como went higher with £12.1m
It was looking like Kellen Fisher and Hector Fort could be the answer to the club’s problems, but with the window now shut, Fisher remains at Norwich, while Fort has joined Elche on loan.
The Scotsman will be frustrated, not only on deadline day, but the fact that it took three months and still a new no.2 wasn’t signed.
To make matters worse, they were rejected as Mundo Deportivo report that Everton, Wolves, and Cesc Fabregas’ Como made official offers for Omar El Hilali during the window.
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The 21-year-old Espanyol full-back received the highest bid from Como at £12.1m, but all bids were rejected due to not matching his release clause, with the Moroccan staying in Spain.
It’s unknown how much the Toffees offered, but clearly, they didn’t feel as though he was worth the same price as what Fabregas and his side put on the table.
Everton may regret not signing in a key area, and now the hierarchy will be looking at January to assess their options.
Everton have three full-back options they could sign in January
The winter window now looks a while away, but the board will no doubt be drawing up candidates they could go for.
Everton’s overall squad is looking solid, but the one weakness does look to be that right-sided area in defence, and these three current targets should be put on the table to improve on O’Brien in that position, or at least provide some depth.
Three possible right back targets for Everton in January
As mentioned, Fisher was one of interest on deadline day, and The Friedkin Group must keep an eye on his performances ahead of January.
Moyes ‘needed’ ten new players, and the right back was the final piece of his puzzle, but now the Blues will have to wait four months to complete their task.