Path now clear for Everton to sign Tete on free transfer as contract news emerges
Everton have now been handed a clear run to sign Brazilian winger Tete on a free transfer after he terminated his Shakhtar Donetsk contract.
According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, taking to his personal Twitter account (28 July), the former on-loan Leicester City star has ripped up his contract at the Ukrainian club following the ongoing war with Russia.
The 23-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger was linked in the January transfer window [Alex Crook], before moving to the King Power, and is now back in the Toffees’ sights if ongoing talks with Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto are unsuccessful.
“Understand Leicester and Everton are both interested in signing Lyon winger Tete. Not sure that’s the case with Leeds at this stage,” wrote Crook.
Yağız Sabuncuoğlu tweeted on 28 July: “SPECIAL | Tetê has officially terminated his contract! The documents went to FIFA.”
And in a follow-up tweet, he posted: “Tetê and his representative flew to Bodrum on a private plane and checked into a hotel in Yalikavak as ‘invited’.
“They will evaluate the official offers and make the final decision.”
With news emerging that Italian international Gnonto isn’t sold on the idea of moving to Goodison Park, Everton may well be looking elsewhere for attacking reinforcements this summer and an exciting new opportunity has opened up with Tete making the decision to tear up his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Tete made 14 appearances for Leicester and scored one goal, after spending the first half of the season. He had been with the French side for part of the campaign before as well, with Shahktar badly affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so he’s definitely available on a free transfer for which the Toffees must take advantage.
The Brazilian enjoyed a very promising spell with Lyon last season before his Leicester move, registering eight goals and ten assists in 30 appearances for the French club.
Given the tough position the Foxes were in upon his arrival with Brendan Rodgers getting sacked so soon after his arrival, Tete was never handed the conditions to thrive consistently in the East Midlands.
Following the signing of Arnaut Danjuma, Everton appear to be making exciting moves in the market again and handing Tete another Premier League opportunity next season seems a very sensible and attractive proposition for Sean Dyche.
Tete hit an impressive 25 goals in 75 Ukrainian league games before he took pastures new last summer, highlighting his influential and decisive qualities in the final third, and he certainly showed flashes for Leicester last season so given the consistent opportunities, he may well prove to be brilliant cost-effective addition for Everton.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports journalist believes a midfield signing is on the cards amid links to a Chelsea ace.