How Everton can flip the script to sign Nathan Zeze as financial opportunity arises

Everton are interested in signing Neom SC's Nathan Zeze.

David Moyes has some big transfer needs remaining after early business conducted at Hill Dickinson this summer, and adding a centre-back is one of them.

James Tarkowski and Michael Keane ended last season in poor form, and were criticised as a reason for the Toffees' failure in their attempts to qualify for Europe.

While the pair were solid in large parts of the campaign, the Blues clearly missed Jarrad Branthwaite in defence, who still appears to be a liability due to his fitness issues.

However, it appears that Moyes has made signing a new central defender a must this summer.

Zeze is the latest centre-back to be added to Everton's transfer list, as the player could soon seek a return to Europe.

What's been said about Nathan Zeze amid Everton interest?

Everton are not in desperate need of a centre-back, especially if they sign a right

That's because it would allow Jake O'Brien to return to his natural position at the heart of defence.

However, the Toffees seem no closer to landing what should be a top priority for them.

According to French outlet L'Equipe on Tuesday, Everton are one of several clubs interested in Zeze, with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Real Sociedad and Al-Hilal also keen.

The France U21s star only made the move to Saudi Arabia last summer, joining Neom on a permanent deal from French side Nantes.

However, Neom's current financial issues could see a path emerge for the 21-year-old to leave Saudi Arabia and return to Europe.

He's said to be keen on a move to either Real Sociedad or Al-Hilal, while a move to the Premier League also entices him.

But there would be somewhat of a sense of irony if the Toffees were able to pull off this deal.

The Everton irony in possible move for Zeze

Goodison News previously covered reports of how Branthwaite was due to be fit at some stage of pre-season for Everton, and his return will give Moyes a huge

However, should Branthwaite either return and then move on one day, or continue to struggle with his fitness, Zeze could be the perfect left-footed centre-back replacement.

Neom have seen their financial situation worsen after finishing eighth in the Saudi Pro League last season, which may force them into selling Zeze, who only joined them for just over £17million last season.

The irony in this is that after previously suffering financial issues themselves, Everton could be the ones to take advantage of another club's issues for once.

According to a report from Semafor in January, Saudi authorities expect to cancel £12billion worth of NEOM contracts between 2026 and 2030, with NEOM being the huge Saudi development project behind the club itself.

Let's see if Everton smell blood in the water.