Everton manager David Moyes and Victor Lindelof in circular inset
Credit: Imago
Aheed Abrar
Wed 27 August 2025 14:10, UK
Everton could potentially be shooting themselves in the foot as they look to sign former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof.
The 31-year-old left the Red Devils at the end of last season once his contract expired and is now available as a free agent.
David Moyes could have Lindelof at Bramley-Moore Dock soon, with the Toffees making an approach to sign him.
With Jarrad Branthwaite injured at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it makes sense for the Blues to reinforce their backline, but they may have their priorities wrong.
An image of Everton manager David Moyes
Credit: Imago
Everton should sign new right-back instead of Victor Lindelof
Jose Mourinho has already said Lindelof is prone to being “bullied” in the Premier League, which doesn’t bode well.
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Moyes will arguably be wasting funds on the 71-cap Sweden international who will likely want significant wages but isn’t in the prime age of his career.
It would make sense to sign a new right-back instead and move Jake O’Brien to a more central position until Branthwaite returns to partner James Tarkowski.
While Michael Keane has been a loyal servant at the Merseyside outfit, he’s undoubtedly been the weak link in Moyes’ defence at the start of the season.
Jake O'Brien
Credit: Imago
David Moyes using Jake O’Brien all wrong
Moyes wanted to sign Kenny Tete in the ongoing transfer window, but the right-back eventually extended his stay at Fulham.
It’s surprising to see the Toffees haven’t had any more concrete targets to bolster the right side of their defence after missing out on the Netherlands international.
While O’Brien has performed well playing out of position since the Scottish manager replaced Sean Dyche, there are clear disadvantages to this approach.
O’Brien was signed by the Toffees for £16.4million last summer.
The defender made 20 Premier League appearances last season, mostly at right-back.
The Irishman has seven caps for his nation.
The Republic of Ireland international lacks the attributes to contribute significantly in terms of attacking play at Everton, leaving the right-wing unbalanced.
With Tyler Dibling arriving at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes should look to pair him with a more dynamic right-back in the starting lineup to unlock the undoubted attacking potential.
Instead of signing Lindelof, O’Brien needs to be developed into a centre-back, and playing in an unorthodox position may hinder the 24-year-old defender from getting to his best.
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