Everton defender James Tarkowski with David Moyes celebrates inset
Credit: Imago
Jack Dawson
Fri 7 November 2025 17:10, UK
James Tarkowski’s time at Everton is seemingly set to come to an end soon.
David Moyes has already began preparing for the January transfer window, and one player who has been linked to Everton is Charlie Cresswell.
The Toulouse star has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with the England Under-21s star being part of the side that won the Under-21s European Championship in the summer.
Now, after Everton have been spotted watching Cresswell in two of Toulouse’s matches, a January move could spell the end of Tarkowski’s time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Imago
Charlie Cresswell and Jarrad Branthwaite are surely the future of Everton
With Toulouse expecting a big offer for Cresswell in January, if Everton win the race, they will surely offer Cresswell an immediate spot in the starting XI.
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If so, then Jarrad Branthwaite and Cresswell would likely be the main centre-back pairing for Moyes.
While Tarkowski and Keane could be used as back-ups, especially with Branthwaite’s awful injury record at Everton, this would not be a long-term solution.
Therefore, Everton are likely already preparing for the defender’s departure, especially due to the fact that alternative defensive options are being considered.
Everton-linked defender Charlie Cresswell in action during a game for Toulouse.
Credit: Imago
With Tarkowski set to turn 33 years old his month, his ability is only going to decline and Moyes is seemingly preparing for this reality.
How do James Tarkowski’s and Cresswell’s stats compare?
According to Sofascore on 6 November, Cresswell currently has multiple better stats than Tarkowski this season.
His clearances and blocked shots are slightly better, while the youngster is yet to make a defensive error.
James Tarkowski and Charlie Cresswell stats comparison graphic
Credit: Sofascore
Therefore, Cresswell is showing all the signs that he can be Tarkowski’s potential successor.
However, it should be noted that Ligue 1 does not have the same quality as the Premier League throughout its division.
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