🔵 Everton Close In on Dutch Defender Kenny Tete in Summer Rebuild
🖊️ Tete Set to Strengthen Toffees' Right Flank
Everton are nearing a deal to bring in Dutch international Kenny Tete on a free transfer as new manager David Moyes begins shaping the squad in his own image ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The 29-year-old right-back, who made over 100 appearances for Fulham since joining from Lyon in 2020, is out of contract at the end of June and has chosen to take on a new challenge at Goodison Park despite Fulham’s hopes of extending his stay.
Tete is expected to sign a three-year deal, with advanced negotiations already underway.
🔍 Moyes Makes Right-Back a Priority
The position has become a major concern for the Merseyside club. With Ashley Young, now 39, released this summer and long-time servant Seamus Coleman facing an uncertain future due to age and fitness, Moyes has identified the right flank as a key area in need of reinforcement.
While young Scottish full-back Nathan Patterson and versatile Irish defender Jake O'Brien have stepped in, Moyes is keen on Premier League-proven experience as the Toffees look to avoid another season of mid-table struggles.
🔁 Alternatives Explored – But Tete Preferred
Everton had been linked with a range of names in recent weeks:
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Kyle Walker, the Manchester City veteran
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Kyle Walker-Peters, an attacking full-back from Southampton
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Vladimir Coufal, a player Moyes knows well from his time at West Ham
But it's the former Ajax and Lyon defender who has emerged as the first-choice target. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, as well as his Champions League and international experience (14 caps for the Netherlands), has made him a standout pick for Moyes.
📊 Why Tete Makes Sense for Everton
Tete offers:
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🔹 Tactical maturity and strong positional awareness
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🔹 A reliable defensive presence with attacking upside
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🔹 Experience in top European leagues and with the Dutch national team
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🔹 Physicality and composure that suit the Premier League style
At 29, he still has several prime years ahead, and arriving on a free deal makes it a low-risk, high-upside signing.
"This is the type of business Everton fans have been craving – smart, experienced additions that strengthen key areas without breaking the bank," says Sportova analyst David Renshaw.
🧢 What’s Next for Everton?
As the Kenny Tete deal nears completion, Moyes will now shift focus to other priorities:
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⚽ A creative midfielder to boost attacking transitions
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🧤 Backup goalkeeper options
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🔄 Possible departures to trim the wage bill
Tete’s signing signals a new phase in the Moyes rebuild – one that aims to return Everton to top-half respectability, or even a push for European qualification.
