Maxime Esteve of Burnley arrives at ground ahead of Sky Bet Championship match Burnley vs Millwall, David Moyes celebrates after Everton vs Wolves.
Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Tue 19 May 2026 20:10, UK
Everton have started their pursuit of Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve.
The 23-year-old defender has been a standout player for the Clarets this season, making 34 appearances in the Premier League.
That has taken his total top-flight matches in England to 50, so he has a decent amount of experience at the level.
A report from L’Equipe on 19 May claims that the Blues are one of three English clubs to have made contact over a transfer, and the Lancashire side have accepted the notion that an exit is on the cards.
Everton needs depth at centre-back and the Frenchman would improve the quality at David Moyes‘ disposal.
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Who wants Esteve alongside Everton?
Esteve has been on Everton’s radar for a while, with Moyes personally scouting him previously.
The report claims that they face competition from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth domestically, while Bayer Leverkusen also want him.
Everton target Maxime Esteve's contract at Burnley.
Credit: Breaking Media
It states that suitors will have to negotiate the terms of an exit with the Turf Moor side, as his contract does not expire until 2030.
Why do Everton need Esteve?
Everton have the likes of James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane among their ranks in the position.
However, the former is getting old, the academy graduate is injury-prone and the latter is in the same boat as Tarkowski.
Therefore, they need another body to make up the numbers, and Esteve, at 23 years old, with a solid amount of appearances in the top-flight, would represent brilliant value.
He has shown a lot of promise at Burnley, and he could perform even better with more competent players around him.
Esteve’s stats for Burnley Premier League
Matches 34
Tackles per game 1.3
Ball recoveries per game 3.4
Clearances per game 6.5
Ground duels won 64%
Aerial duels won 68%
Esteve’s league stats for Burnley.
Esteve averaged 1.3 tackles per game, 3.4 ball recoveries per game and 6.5 clearances per game, according to data from Sofascore, which are impressive figures in such a bad side.
The France Under-21 international would be a sign of intent from the Toffees, as he is one of the most exciting talents in the British game at the moment.
Whether Moyes and Co could tempt him to pick them over the other interested parties is a different matter entirely, but the fact that they want him shows that they are shopping in the right places.
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