Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 4 September 2025 10:30, UK

David Moyes is facing a defensive crisis at Everton after Vitalii Mykolenko suffered yet another injury.

Everton opted against signing a defender on deadline day, leaving themselves vulnerable in the event of another injury.

And that worst-case scenario has become reality just days following, with Mykolenko returning from Ukraine’s national team camp with an injury.

Adam Aznou made his return from injury this week, but the youngster missed much of pre-season and is expected to need time to get up to speed.

Everton tried to sign Ben Chilwell in the final hours of the transfer window, but the full-back ultimately decided to join Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

Everton should snap up Sergio Reguilon a free transfer

Everton were interested in signing Sergio Reguilon earlier in the summer, with the Spaniard available on a free transfer following his departure from Tottenham.

And it would now seem the obvious choice for the Toffees to return for the left-back, with injury troubles mounting in Moyes’ backline.

James Garner has already shown his ability to fill in on the left of defence twice this season, but the midfielder is wasted away from the centre of the pitch.

Should Everton decline to act on the position, however, the Englishman will likely be forced to return to the position, with the timeline on Mykolenko’s return still unclear.

Aznou could well take to the position once at full fitness, but the 19-year-old is raw and unproven in the Premier League.

Read more: Everton’s new squad value revealed after Friedkin Group complete squad overhaul

Sergio Reguilon would ease defensive worries

Reguilon represents much of what Everton would be looking for in a temporary solution to their issues at left-back.

The Spain international has racked up 81 appearances during his time in the Premier League, with spells at Tottenham, Manchester United and Brentford.

Gary Neville told Sky Sports in 2020 that he likes the defender. “Loads of energy, quick to the ball, aggressive in his defending, and he flies forward at great pace,” the pundit said.

• Sergio Reguilon made 28 appearances across all competitions in the 2023/24 season.
• The defender registered four assists.

Reguilon made just six appearances last season and would certainly not be a world-beater for Everton.

But in the 2023/24 season, the 28-year-old was a regular for Thomas Frank’s Brentford, and would surely provide a sensible option for Moyes on a cheap deal.

And the alternative would surely not be worth the saved money on wages.

Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.