Moyes will want words with potential new Everton signing Vagiannidis after incident – Exclusive
Goodison News presents the exclusive opinion of former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Everton have emerged as potential candidates to sign Georgios Vagiannidis this summer.
The Panathinaikos star has developed into one of the Greek Super League’s best players in the last few seasons, and he could now be in line for a big move this summer.
Vagiannidis is attracting interest from Everton, while the likes of Wolves and Sporting CP are also keen to prize the right-back away from his current club.
David Moyes is keen to add to his options across the pitch this summer, but he may now be concerned about the idea of signing the 23-year-old after a recent incident that he was involved in.
Moyes will want to speak to Vagiannidis after dive v Rangers
Everton’s pursuit of Vagiannidis has been made more complicated by Panathinaikos’ crucial Champions League qualifying tie against Rangers.
The Greek giants have been reluctant to sell their star man until after the two-legged tie, the first of which was played at Ibrox on Tuesday (22 July) night.
Rui Vitoria’s side were defeated 2-0 in Glasgow, and were forced to play the final half an hour with 10 men, after the Everton target received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
The defender received the first of his two cautions for simulation, as he went to ground in the Rangers box to try and win a penalty for his team.
Former Premier League and FIFA official Keith Hackett – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes Moyes will be keen to speak to his potential new signing about the incident, to ensure he doesn’t let himself down in that matter again.
“Moyes will offer the appropriate advice to stop him (Vagiannidis) from doing this type of action,” Hackett said.
“I witnessed this many years ago when Marouane Fellaini joined Everton.
“Moyes was in control.
“He called me into Finch Farm to try to resolve the issue of Fellaini getting yellow-carded on several occasions. The problem was resolved, and Fellaini’s yellow cards reduced in time.”
Rangers incident shouldn’t put Moyes off Vagiannidis
Everton used Jake O’Brien as an auxiliary right-back for much of the 2024/25 campaign, but they need to add a more natural addition there this summer if they want to continue on their recent trajectory.
Vagiannidis has been identified as a viable option, and Moyes shouldn’t be perturbed by what he saw from the youngster in his side’s defeat at Ibrox.
Barring the two frustrating moments that ultimately saw his night brought to a premature close, the full-back was a thorn in Rangers’ side, and looked a particular threat when he got into advanced positions on the right flank.
The manner of his dismissal will be something of a red flag for Moyes, but that shouldn’t be enough to change his mind on the player.
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