Everton have now joined the race to sign an "elite" defender, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Toffees go out on a high at Goodison
May 18th, 2025 marked the end of an era, with the Toffees playing their last-ever match at Goodison Park before the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and they managed to go out in style, securing a 2-0 win over Southampton courtesy of an Iliman Ndiaye brace.
With Wolverhampton Wanderers losing 4-2 against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, the Merseysiders are now confirmed to have finished 13th in the Premier League, which is quite a turnaround, given that a relegation battle was on the cards at one stage.
However, David Moyes will know that new recruitments are necessary if his side are to kick on further up the table next season, and the manager is keen to bolster his centre-back options, despite his side having one of the best defensive records in the league this season.
Club Goals conceded
Arsenal 33
Liverpool 40
Chelsea 43
Manchester City 44
Everton 44
That is according to a report from Ouest-France (via Get Football News France), which states Everton are now interested in a move for Nantes defender Nathan Zeze, who is attracting plenty of interest from a number of English clubs ahead of the summer.
Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth are also named as potential suitors for Zeze, with the Cherries already having a €20m (£17m) bid knocked back, which suggests an offer in excess of that figure will be needed to get a deal over the line.
It remains to be seen whether the Toffees choose to hijack their Premier League rivals, but it appears as though the 19-year-old's time at Nantes is coming to an end, with the French club said to have no hope of retaining his services beyond the summer.
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"Elite" Zeze impressing in Ligue 1
Hailed as being an "elite" young player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman was an important figure for Nantes when fit last season, making 18 Ligue 1 appearances, and he has proven himself to be adept defensively.
The teenager is particularly impressive at winning back possession, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 94th percentile for clearances and 78th for interceptions, compared to other centre-backs.
nathan-zeze-nantes
As mentioned, Everton's defensive showings have not been a cause for concern this season, but it would make sense to bring in a new young centre-back this summer, given that Michael Keane's contract is set to come to an end.
As such, Zeze could be a good signing for Everton, at which point the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium will mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the Toffees.