Everton agree deal to ‘sign Ashley Young replacement’ with contract in place
Everton have found their replacement for Ashley Young.
David Moyes‘ side needs a new right-back with the veteran set to depart upon the expiry on his contract on 30 June.
Jake O’Brien has excelled as a makeshift option, and Seamus Coleman is likely to continue despite an injury-hampered last campaign, but the Toffees needed a new starter in the position.
Everton set to sign Kenny Tete as free agent
Everton look set to finally resolve their issues at right-back as a deal has been agreed for Fulham star Kenny Tete.
Fabrizio Romano reported (22 June) that the Blues have reached a verbal agreement to sign the 29-year-old on a free transfer.
The Dutch star will be handed a contract until 2028 with the move set to be formalised next week.
Tete is a great addition for Everton
Tete made 22 Premier League appearances for Marco Silva’s side last season as the Cottagers finished 11th in the table.
The Toffees need a right-back with top-flight experience, and the 14-cap Netherlands international certainly brings that to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with 89 matches under his belt at the top level of the English game.
| Stats (Premier League) | Tete |
| Matches | 22 |
| Ground duels won | 67.9% |
| Aerial duels won | 54.2% |
| Minutes played | 1,779 |
The deal is a smart one, as there is no fee attached, which will allow the Friedkin Group to spend more on other targets for Moyes, as the Scotsman seeks to take his side into the upper echelons of the division.
At 29, there is the potential for Tete to still have a long career at the top, like Young and Coleman have had with the Merseysiders, and he is a much better option than the likes of Kyle Walker and Vladimir Coufal, who have previously been linked.
There is still significant work to be done in the market, with upgrades needed in midfield and up front, if Moyes’ side are to compete for European qualification, as he has stated is the aim.
However, it is a good start to the summer for the new ownership and if they continue to pull off clever deals like that, the future will be bright for the blue half of Merseyside.
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