Scott Mason

Wed 15 April 2026 14:10, UK

Ozan Kabak had been linked with a move to Everton, despite his previous history with Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

The 28-cap Turkish defender spent six months on loan at Anfield but, truthfully, did not play many games.

Nonetheless, Everton going in for a former Liverpool star did still raise eyebrows, although recent years with Conor Coady have shown they are willing to cross that divide.

Kabak would have been an excellent signing, with the centre-back threatening in the air. However, he has since signed a new contract with Hoffenheim, diminishing hopes for a move this summer.

Although a reveal about his contract containing a release clause keeps an open door for a future Everton transfer.

Ozan Kabak has £21.7m release clause, but when does it activate?

Kabak’s new deal keeps him at Hoffenheim until 2030, but next summer, there will be a chance for any interested parties to snap him up.

The Turkish international has been enjoying a fruitful campaign, scoring four goals from centre-back for the Bundesliga side.

Although Kabak’s aerial presence and set-piece threat would appeal to Everton, the Toffees will have to wait a further year.

Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenburg confirmed the reveal of his £21.7million release clause, with it coming into effect from summer 2027.

The news means if Everton are to reignite their interest, they already know the outlay of the deal ahead of them.

However, with Michael Keane’s contract coming to an end this season, the Blues will need a central defender this summer anyway.

Everton would be wise to future plan with Ozan Kabak

James Tarkowski is 33 years old and is not getting any younger. While he still looks to have plenty of years at the top, Everton would do no harm in already beginning to plan for life after their skipper.

The Englishman has a deal up until 2028, which would put him at 35 years old upon the expiry of his contract.

Next summer, Kabak will be 27 and have plenty of football ahead of him. A fee of £21.7m is not an outrageous ask for a defender proving himself in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Hoffenheim are currently fighting for Champions League football, sitting in sixth place and five behind the top four.

Everton will have the added bonus of watching Kabak for another year in Germany; if he continues to perform and improve, it is a no-brainer to go for him.

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