How much Everton can pay to land Nathan Zeze transfer as NEOM stance shared

Everton have learned how much it would take to land defensive target Nathan Zeze.

The Blues are looking to add multiple names to their defensive options this season, with right-back the priority.

Currently, Celtic's Alistair Johnston looks to be Everton's primary candidate, but they are not without alternatives.

However, it does appear that a new central defender is also on the shortlist amid interest in Saudi Pro League player Zeze.

Playing for NEOM, a team in which he only joined in 2025, it seems like his exit could already be in the pipeline.

With Everton among those circling over his signature.

Are NEOM open to selling Nathan Zeze?

Zeze was once a target for Everton in the summer of 2025, before he ultimately swapped Nantes for the northwestern Saudi side.

However, fresh reports this window have put Everton back in the race for Zeze.

Typically, targeting a player who has recently moved can involve difficult negotiations but it appears Everton have been handed a boost.

Despite being at NEOM for just one season, the Saudi Pro League side are willing to allow him to depart this window.

That is according to the print edition of Turkish outlet, Hurriyet on 6 August.

Their information shares that NEOM and Saudi officials are "considering a permanent sale" for the Frenchman this summer.

Amid interest from Galatasaray, Real Sociedad, Crystal Palace and Everton, it has been shared that the transfer could be completed for £17.1million.

Why Everton must not stand still with Zeze opportunity

Everton are stocked in centre-back quite well with James Tarkowski, Jake O'Brien, Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane.

The latter of those, though, is in the final year of his contract after signing a one-year extension back in April.

But Everton should not be sitting around and waiting for the Englishman to depart, especially when a young and promising talent such as Zeze is available.

In this current market, £17.1m is ultimately peanuts and could be one of the better value deals to emerge this summer.

Zeze is already a multi-cap youth international, with 16 appearances combined across the French under-17s, under-18s and under-21s.

And future appearances in the senior national side certainly cannot be ruled out.

Furthermore, with O'Brien potentially being an option for right-back this season, and Branthwaite's unnerving injury issues, David Moyes may actually need another body through the door anyway this season.