Frank Lampard offers glowing verdict on ‘powerful’ defender Everton want to sign
One of Everton’s biggest priorities in the January transfer window is defensive depth, and David Moyes could dip into the Championship to sign his ideal player.
Moyes has been without defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the opening months of the campaign, with the 23-year-old set to undergo surgery on his hamstring.
That has left Everton with just three centre-back options in the shape of James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien, although the latter has predominantly been used as a right-back.
Everton have shown an interest in Real Betis centre-back Natan as a result, with the Spanish side quoting £26million for his signature, and he isn’t the only one catching the eye.
Frank Lampard’s verdict on Everton target Bobby Thomas
According to reports, the Toffees are keen on bringing Coventry City defender Bobby Thomas to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in January.
Thomas is flourishing as a ball-playing defender under former Everton boss Frank Lampard, with the 24-year-old scoring two and assisting three in 18 Championship appearances.
Coventry are currently setting a relentless pace at the top of the second tier – seven points clear of second-place Middlesbrough – and Thomas has played a crucial role.
“Yeah, brilliant. He play really, really well in both boxes; his defensive game, everything in possession… I thought he was really, really good,” Lampard said of the Englishman after Coventry’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United in November.
“It was touch and go with his calf and fortunately he came through because we know he’s a big player for us, who’s grown since the today we came in.
“To see how he’s developed is all credit to him because I think all facets of his game are growing. The basics have always been there, he’s a big powerful centre half but I think his all-around game is really good. And yeah, great, keep it up!”
Thomas would add goals to Everton
Everton are known for being a threat from set-pieces, and Thomas would only improve their chances of scoring from them.
| Bobby Thomas goal returns |
| 2023/24 – 2 goals in 44 matches |
| 2024/25 – 5 goals in 38 matches |
| 2025/26 – 2 goals in 18 matches* |
The former Barnsley man has bagged nine goals in his last three campaigns and is a consistent menace from dead-ball situations.
Keane is currently Everton’s top-scoring defender with two goals in 2025/26, although the addition of Thomas could see him overtake the veteran.
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