Everton now target new left-back after Jake O’Brien becomes fifth signing for Sean Dyche
Everton are expected to sign a new left-back next after securing the transfer of Lyon’s Jake O’Brien, according to Alan Myers.
The Sky Sports journalist responded to a question via X on 30 July to indicate his understanding that the full-back spot is next on the agenda after the towering Irish centre-back was successfully recruited.
Regular starter Vitalii Mykolenko has been suffering from injury during the preseason and has been linked to a exit interest in Serie A [Area Napoli, 16 July].
Behind him is just 39-year-old Ashley Young who signed a one-year contract extension earlier this summer to extend his stay at Goodison Park.
Asked if a left-back was next Myers replied: “So I hear”.
Vitalii Mykolenko among injury concerns at Everton
Dyche won’t want to lose Mykolenko whether a new option comes in or not but the Ukranian’s fitness set-backs since the latter weeks of last season are a worry.
The Toffees are believed to be interested in 120-cap Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez who is available for free after leaving Torino [Football Transfers, 29 July].
The 31-year-old looks like an ideal candidate to come in and boost numbers for a season or two while Everton are still navigating an uncertain financial situation in the wake of the latest takeover collapse.
But Fabrizio Romano reported on 29 July that there has been no official proposal from Goodison Park, even though prime competition has been ruled out as Inter will not allow Simone Inzaghi to sign a player over 30.
An offer could potentially be made now the focus on O’Brien is done and it seems unlikely a left-back will end the summer business either way.
Another central midfielder to add to Tim Ireogbunam will probably be necessary after the exits of Andre Gomes and Amadou Onana, with interest in Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips [TEAMtalk, 22 July] and Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu [Foot Mercato, 13 July].
A replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be needed if the striker is sold as planned [Times, 19 July], but that is reportedly proving easier said than done at present, according to Ian Croll on 26 July.
And although the pursuit of Willy Gnonto from Leeds United appears to have gone quiet [Myers, 26 July] there remains the possibility that Dele Alli will be resigned after a new agreement was reached with Tottenham [The Athletic, 16 July].
In other Everton news, a Toffees midfielder whose contract expired this summer is now wanted for a move to La Liga.
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