Split image of Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams and Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko
Credit: Imago
Aheed Abrar
Thu 14 May 2026 16:10, UK
Vitalii Mykolenko could be forced to seriously consider his Everton future in the upcoming transfer window.
The Ukraine international’s current contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium expires at the end of the season, but the Toffees have an option to extend it for another year.
It looks likely that David Moyes will keep Mykolenko around for the foreseeable future, but the defender may be given some food for thought about his situation in L3.
Neco Williams is being eyed at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Nottingham Forest look to reward the Liverpool academy graduate with a new deal.
The Friedkin Group will surely want Mykolenko to stay, considering the lack of depth at left-back, but if the Merseyside outfit signs the Wales international from the City Ground, the Ukrainian ace will undoubtedly be looking over his shoulder.
Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton reacts during the Premier League Summer Series match with Manchester United.
Credit: Imago
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Everton forced into Vitalii Mykolenko situation
With Moyes clearly having no faith in Adam Aznou, Mykolenko has ended up being the only natural option at left-back for the Toffees this season.
Last summer, the Blues lost multiple players after their contracts expired and were subsequently left with several holes to fill in the squad.
Premier League Statistics Neco Williams
Appearances 35
Goals 2
Assists 3
Big chances created 5
Clean sheets 9
Interceptions per game 1.2
Tackles per game 2.6
Balls recovered per game 4.3
Clearances per game 2.4
Total duels won per game 5.9 (57%)
Successful dribbles per game 0.9 (45%)
Williams’ league record this season, as per Sofascore
The Scottish manager has evidently struggled with a lack of depth at the Merseyside outfit this season and TFG must ensure it doesn’t happen again at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
As a result, it makes sense for the American owners to hold on to Mykolenko for now before reassessing their squad in the summer.
Neco Williams could kill two birds with one stone at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Williams is equally adept at right-back as he is on the left, which will surely be a plus point for Everton.
Moyes has played Jake O’Brien out of position since his return to the Toffees, but the Scottish manager clearly needs more options in defence.
The Forest star could potentially come in to play at right-back, with Mykolenko keeping his place on the opposite side.
With the 25-year-old Welshman naturally right-footed, it would make sense for the Merseyside outfit to somehow get a deal over the line for him ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
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