Tete to Everton transfer ‘could be imminent’ despite Fulham twist
Everton could be days away from announcing Kenny Tete as their new player, despite a new twist involving Fulham.
Tete is reported to have agreed personal terms with Everton last week, with the defender’s contract due to expire at Craven Cottage this month.
Everton would be landing a proven Premier League performer on a free transfer, likely meaning the Toffees are willing to offer higher wages.
However, the deal is not over the line just yet as Fulham are set to throw all they have at Tete.
Fulham table improved Tete contract offer
Fulham understandably do not want to lose Tete, who started 21 Premier League games for them last season.
According to Fabrizio Romano via X (24 June), Fulham have now tabled an improved contract offer to Tete.
That means both Fulham and Everton have contract proposals on the table, leaving the decision down to the 29-year-old, who has admittedly had his share of injury problems at Craven Cottage.
Tete’s decision will be made “soon”, it is claimed, meaning fans will not have to wait long for a decision one way or another.
| Kenny Tete’s injury record at Fulham | Season | Games missed |
| Calf injury | 2020/21 | 14 |
| Fitness issue | 2020/21 | 7 |
| Corona virus | 2020/21 | 1 |
| Thigh problems | 2021/22 | 11 |
| Grion injury | 2021/22 | 5 |
| Knock | 2022/23 | 6 |
| Groin problems | 2023/24 | 8 |
| Achilles tendon problems | 2023/24 | 2 |
| Knee problem | 2024/25 | 19 |
While Fulham’s tabling of a new contract does obviously complicate matters, the hope is that he does not go against his word, having already verbally agreed terms with Everton.
It may well be that Everton in turn have to renegotiate wages, and while it is never advisable to pay over the odds, the fact Tete is arriving on a free does change matters.
Tete would be superb signing for Everton
Everton have already made Charly Alcaraz’s loan move permanent this summer, and bringing in Tete would make for an impressive opening period to the summer window.
Wilfred Ndidi is another who could arrive at Everton for a bargain fee, with a Leicester City exit now possible for £9million.
The Friedkin Group know a massive summer is required ahead of the move into Hill Dickinson Stadium, and players will need to be recruited for sizeable sums.
To bring in Tete, Alcaraz and Ndidi for a small combined sum would set the foundations for a marquee signing to arrive before long.
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