Everton wanted to sign Kenny Tete over the summer, but handed the Fulham defender a 2-0 defeat on Saturday.
Right-back has been a big topic of conversation for Everton supporters.
Jake O’Brien has played there this season, but he was dropped in favour of James Garner against Fulham.
Everton impressed in a 2-0 win as Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane found the net at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Garner could keep his place at right-back after Everton’s strong display, but David Moyes is surely looking for a January signing.
Everton v Fulham - Premier League
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Kenny Tete battled Jack Grealish in Everton clash
Moyes wanted a new right-back over the summer, and targeted Fulham’s Kenny Tete for a move to Merseyside.
Tete snubbed Everton at the last minute, U-turning on an agreement with the Toffees in favour of staying at Fulham.
The Dutchman picked up a knee injury earlier this season, but returned to action in October and started against Everton on Saturday.
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Tete lined up in his usual right-back role, meaning he was pitted against Everton’s left-winger Jack Grealish.
Fulham lost the game, but Tete may well have enjoyed his battle with Grealish.
Tete racked nine ball recoveries and a whopping 12 successful duels, alongside five clearances, three interceptions, three aerial duels won, four tackles, one dribble and one key pass.
Tete contributed going forward and was strong defensively, limiting Grealish to no successful dribbles for just the third time this season.
This kind of display may well be why Moyes wanted to sign Tete in the first place, but a move to Everton will not be happening in 2026 after his snub this past summer.
David Moyes weighing up his right-back options
Everton may still look at other right-back options for January.
Moyes told a post-match press conference that he still sees Garner as a midfielder, but just felt that he could offer more going forward than O’Brien against Fulham.
Garner duly obliged, but Moyes seemed to suggest that it may not be his long-term role.
Everton target Anthony Caci is staying at Mainz, but Moyes may be tempted to look at similar targets for the January window.
O’Brien and Garner are not natural right-backs, and while they are doing a job for the team, a player like Tete could make a big difference in 2026.