Everton were haunted by Adrien Truffert on Tuesday night.
The Frenchman gave the Toffees a torrid time as he helped Bournemouth fight back from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, providing the assist for Rayan to equalise with a wicked cross.
Not only did the Bournemouth No.3 step up at a time when David Moyes desperately needs an upgrade at left-back himself, but matters are made worse for Everton by the fact The Friedkin Group actually ignored him back in January 2025.
What would your message to David Moyes be after another loss at home? 😫
He seemed fairly pleased with his players despite the defeat 😬
David Moyes' response on Everton's form at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
2025 Adrien Truffert decision bites Everton on the backside
When analysing Everton’s poor home form this season, The Athletic let slip that the Toffees had Truffert down as a target in January 2025, but eventually decided to overlook the man born in Liege.
Just months later, the France international sealed a £10.1m move to Bournemouth, and has proven to be one of the best in his position so far this season with two assists in 26 Premier League appearances.
At the same time, Vitalii Mykolenko – who was pathetically beaten in the air by Rayan for the equaliser – has struggled significantly this season.
Moyes does have an alternative at left-back in Adam Aznou, an £8m signing from Bayern Munich last July.
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However, the Morocco international has not been given a second of Premier League football so far this season, so the Glaswegian evidently doesn’t rate the 19-year-old and could do with an upgrade in the left-back department.
In the meantime, Moyes will surely rue the fact his bosses failed to push for Truffert, who is just 24 years of age and committed to Bournemouth until July 2030, giving the Cherries a long-term option in that area.
Not only did the Bournemouth No.3 provide an assist against Everton on Tuesday, but Sofascore shows he also made six clearances, five recoveries and was not dribbled past once, in what was a fine display.
Adrien Truffert spoke about Everton interest as far back as 2022
Everton had actually shortlisted Truffert beyond January 2025 – as he directly spoke about interest from the Toffees during an interview with RMC Sport (via HITC) in June 2022.
The Bournemouth star said: “Everton and Ajax interested? Yes, I was aware. Obviously, it’s flattering to have clubs that are interested in you.
“Honestly, the question (about leaving) does not necessarily arise. I have a contract until 2025 with Stade Rennes. I do not have to ask myself (if I’m leaving). I’ll ask myself that later, with my parents and my agents. My parents are super important.”
Mykolenko is out of contract at the end of the season, would you let him leave on a free transfer?
Everton's Vitali Mykolenko.
Everton ended up spending £17m on Mykolenko in January 2022 – much more than Truffert cost Bournemouth – and especially after Tuesday night, Moyes would surely love to have the two defenders swap places.
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