Daniel Davis

Fri 27 March 2026 8:10, UK

The Friedkin Group look to be running out of time to sign Marcos Senesi for Everton.

It has been widely reported that the Toffees are in the race to snap up the Bournemouth centre-back this summer, alongside the likes of Tottenham, Juventus, Napoli and Aston Villa.

Senesi has turned down several contract offers and will leave the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season on a free transfer, making him one of world football’s biggest bargains.

David Moyes will be in the market for defensive reinforcements with the future of a host of first-team players uncertain, and the Argentine would be a dream recruit.

However, Everton’s hopes of signing him look to have taken a blow in recent days.

Everton’s fierce competition in Marcos Senesi chase

While Senesi will not command the hefty price tags of team-mates Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, who departed Bournemouth for a combined £100million, interest is no less fierce.

Indeed, according to Corriere dello Sport, Premier League rivals Aston Villa have stepped up their interest, tabling a big salary package and significant bonuses.

Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are said to have made a substantial approach, too, which has seemingly also given them the advantage over the Toffees.

Everton supporters would feel let down should Roma sign Senesi, with the Friedkin Group also owning the Italian side. At present, they have been “testing the waters” over the move.

But the interest from Hill Dickinson Stadium may not get off the ground at all. Senesi is believed to be seeking a contract worth £4million per season, which could price them out.

Any swoop from the Toffees may also be reliant on them qualifying for Europe next season. Regardless, it would be a statement of intent from the hierarchy, and they must push hard.

Do Everton really need Senesi?

It would be ruthless of Moyes if he were to drop one of Jarrad Branthwaite or James Tarkowski to free up room for Senesi, with his current first-choice duo near faultless this season.

Complicating matters somewhat, Michael Keane has also performed valiantly during his run of matches, while Jake O’Brien is another strong option at centre-back.

However, Moyes would do well to do all he can to convince Senesi to join. The 28-year-old is one of the Premier League’s best defenders, but is equally useful at the other end.

He is outstanding on the ball, shown by the fact that he is first for progressive passes, through passes and progressive actions against other centre-backs in the top five leagues.

Senesi would clearly bring a whole new thrust to Moyes’ side next season, but first, Everton must fend off competition from almost all of Europe’s biggest names.