David Moyes could make brutal Vitalii Mykolenko decision as Everton eye £25m transfer
Everton are looking to bolster multiple positions in their squad ahead of the January transfer window, and some players may have to drop out of the starting lineup.
Everyone knows that the Toffees need to sign a new striker to rival Thierno Barry, who scored his first Premier League goal in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
At the other end of the pitch, meanwhile, David Moyes is in the market for a centre-back, with Everton showing an interest in Real Betis defender Natan.
A lack of defensive options since the injury to Jarrad Branthwaite has plagued Moyes, and the Scotsman could also capture a new left-back.
Antonee Robinson could replace Vitalii Mykolenko at Everton
Vitalii Mykolenko has continued to be Everton’s first-choice left-back in 2025/26, with only 19-year-old Adam Aznou offering competition for a place in the starting lineup.
The Ukraine international has played 90 minutes in each of his last 10 Premier League matches, becoming arguably one of their most important players.
But with Mykolenko’s contract expiring in 2026, there is uncertainty surrounding his future, and Moyes could replace him long-term with Antonee Robinson.
Robinson is available for around £25million, and that is a bargain fee for someone who is arguably one of the Premier League’s best full-backs.
Everton supporters will be well aware of the 28-year-old’s quality, as he was sold for just £2m to Wigan Athletic in 2019.
That transfer will go down as a huge error from the Merseyside giants, and re-signing him in January or next summer would go a long way to resolving it.
Robinson would be an incredible signing
As Everton are no closer to agreeing a new contract with Mykolenko, The Friedkin Group must plan for his potential exit.
Goodison News understands that Everton could swap Aznou for Robinson in the transfer window, an agreement the Toffees should explore.
| Antonee Robinson’s per 90 Premier League stats in 2024/25 |
| 0.28 assists |
| 3.35 progressive carries |
| 1.08 successful take-ons |
| 7.79 progressive passes received |
| 2.7 tackles |
| 1.76 interceptions |
Robinson was one of the division’s best left-backs in 2024/25, averaging an impressive 3.35 progressive carries per game and 2.7 tackles.
And even though a knee injury has seen him miss the last eight Premier League games, his qualities as an all-round defender make him an upgrade on Mykolenko.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews