Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 21 May 2026 13:10, UK

Everton will say goodbye to Seamus Coleman officially after this weekend, but they could already be lining up his replacement in Roland Sallai.

Coleman has been a terrific servant for the Toffees, and any right-back will have a tough time fitting into the box that he has made in his mould.

However, eras do come to an end, and for the Irishman that has arrived this season.

It leaves the Blues needing to find a replacement, and links to various right-backs are sure to keep emerging until a deal is confirmed.

Ahead of the summer window for Everton, Galatasaray star Sallai looks to be one of those links after reports out of Turkey.

What has been said about Everton’s interest in Roland Sallai?

Everton will be in the market for a right-back following the news that Coleman is departing at the end of his contract.

The right side of defence has been a prickly topic at Hill Dickinson this season, with centre-back Jake O’Brien filling in more often than not, with David Moyes going more defensive in that aspect.

However, that could be about to change as, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Everton are “closely monitoring” right-back Sallai ahead of the summer window, with interest mooted from Tottenham and Liverpool as well.

The Toffees have seemingly already learnt the financial cost of any deal with Galatasaray expectating between £12.9million to £17.2million (€15million and €20million) in order to sanction any sale.

This season Sallai has featured in 30 Turkish league matches for the Istanbul club and has been a key member of their squad.

Is Sallai the right profile for Everton?

When it comes to being a right-back, the Hungarian is certainly more attack-minded than Jake O’Brien. Sallai has contributed to four goals this season for the Turkish giants.

He has scored once and provided three assists, while producing six big chances compared to O’Brien’s zero.

Additionally, the Galatasaray defender is strong in his defensive duels, similarly to the Irishman. Sallai wins 54.8 per cent of his ground duels compared to O’Brien’s 55.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old wins 61.4 per cent of his aerial duels, with the Everton defender coming in at 66.7 per cent.

However, a gap is to be expected considering the height differentials between the Hungarian and Irish internationals – 6’0″ versus 6’6″.

Overall, if Everton are to go to the next level, adding an attacking threat from right-back is certainly the way to go, and Sallai offers that.

He would also provide a player in the peak of his career yet have plenty of experience behind him as well. The Hungarian has 66 caps for his national team with 15 goals.

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