Everton will likely need to sign a right-back this summer as David Moyes looks to solve a problem position
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Coventry City's Milan van Ewijk
Coventry City's Milan van Ewijk preparing to take one of his trademark long throw-ins in the play-off semi-final first leg against Sunderland
Everton have been suffering with problems at right-back for the last few seasons. Seamus Coleman is in the twilight of his career, with no guarantee he'll continue to his playing days next season, and the replacement signings haven’t quite met expectations.
Nathan Patterson joined from Rangers in January 2022 and was cited as the long-term successor to Coleman, but he has struggled for form and fitness. Injury problems has meant that he’s not been able to cement himself in the starting 11.
Ashley Young arrived in summer 2023 as a versatile experienced option but has now left upon the expiry of his contract. Many Evertonians were pleased with his performances since joining the club, but he was never seen as a long-term option.
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Jake O’Brien joined in summer 2024 and long struggled to get into the team under former manager Sean Dyche. Upon the arrival of David Moyes, O’Brien has been putting in top class performances at right-back, despite naturally being a centre-back. However, Moyes will be looking to move him back to his natural position at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.
And the Scot has a task this summer to reinforce the right-back position following Young’s contract expiry and the uncertainty of Coleman’s status at the club next season.
There are a few options Everton could look at bringing in.
Kyle Walker-Peters
The Englishman who began his career at Spurs is set to leave Southampton ahead of his contract expiry at the end of the season. He has been linked with a move to Everton multiple times in the past few seasons.
Walker-Peters can play in both full back positions and regularly drifts into the midfield to provide attacking support. According to Footystats.org, he has had 2.37 dribbles and 0.74 key passes per 90 minutes this season, he could add more creativity to Everton’s starting 11.
It's something of a surprise that he's not moved on from Southampton earlier and he could be worth taking a chance on as a younger replacement for Ashley Young.
Vladimir Coufal
The Czech Republic international is leaving West Ham upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season. There has been talk of a move to Everton ever since it was confirmed that he would be leaving the Hammers.
Although this potential move may not excite Evertonians, his cover at the right-back position may seem appealing to David Moyes.
Moyes signed him in his second stint as West Ham manager and seemed to get the best out of him. He’s a hard worker and could surprise at The Toffees despite being 32 years old.
Milan Van Ewijk
Coventry right-back Van Ewijk has impressed in the championship this season, despite a costly error in the recent play-off semi-final against Sunderland.
Manager Frank Lampard, who was formerly Everton boss, is clearly a fan of the Dutchman. He has had 2 goals and 4 assists this season and is also defensively competent with 2.11 tackles per game, according to footystats.org.
Lampard’s previous relationship with Everton could lead him to become a possible broker for this deal, and Moyes would have a young player to mould into an Everton full-back.
Georgios Vagiannidis
The Greek international for Panathinaikos has been linked recently with a move to The Toffees. According to journalist Sebastien Vidal on X, Everton have been looking at the player along with Brighton.
Experienced in the Greek Super League, he is defensively strong, being part of a defence that have had 8 clean sheets this season. Although he may take some time to adjust to the Premier League, he could be a future prospect at right back for Everton.
This upcoming summer transfer window is crucial for the Blues, and the right back position is important for David Moyes to get right this time round.