(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Thu 28 May 2026 17:10, UK

Idrissa Gana Gueye could be set for a backseat with Everton now looking at the possibility of signing Olympique Lyonnais star Tanner Tessmann.

It’s been revealed that David Moyes is keen on adding a defensive midfielder to his ranks this summer, with a new striker and right-back also a priority.

Gana Gueye has been a regular starter under the Toffees boss this season, but a recent absence from the side has seen Tim Iroegbunam take his place.

However, Blues fans will agree that neither of Moyes’ current options is on the same level as James Garner, who needs a top-class partner to help take the club to the next level.

Now, Everton are interested in signing Tessmann, with Lyon setting his asking price for something that the Friedkin Group may not mind spending.

Everton want £19.5m-rated Tanner Tessmann

Gana Gueye’s future at Everton has been in doubt ever since it was claimed that the Toffees want a new defensive midfielder this summer.

The 36-year-old was kept out of the final four games of the season with a muscle injury, and that may have been the indicator that Everton needed to be ruthless this window.

Tessmann is a typical modern-day number six and is the type of all-action midfielder that would complement Garner in the middle of the park.

According to Portuguese journalist Pablo Oliveira, there is strong interest in the American international, with Everton one of several named clubs after his signature this summer.

Há forte interesse em Tanner Tessmann, volante de 24 anos do #OlympiqueLyonnais. O jogador vem sendo ligado a #LeedsUnited e #Brentford, enquanto #Everton, #Freiburg e #Ajax também monitoram a situação.

O #Lyon pede entre €20 milhões e €25 milhões para liberar o atleta. pic.twitter.com/6MsFRSfyCM

— Pablo Oliveira (@Oliveira32Pablo) May 27, 2026

It’s said that Lyon values the 24-year-old at around £19.5million, but the Toffees will face competition from the likes of Leeds United, Brentford, and clubs abroad like Ajax and Freiburg.

This is what could happen with Gana Gueye if Tessmann joins Everton

Everton have long-standing interest in Tessmann, with reports suggesting the Blues were in for the midfielder over 12 months ago.

With that said, this could be the window that the Friedkin Group put the foot on the gas to get their man, which asks questions of Gueye’s future.

Though Tessmann’s potential arrival could see the Senegalese international drop out of the starting lineup, that doesn’t mean he will leave.

It would mean that Gueye’s game time would most likely be reduced, but Moyes would be confident in knowing who his rotational option is.

If anything, it puts Iroegbunam’s future in doubt, with the Englishman still struggling to adapt to Premier League football and remain consistent.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.