What Ridle Baku would bring to Everton as new name on right-back shortlist emerges
Everton's search for a right-back continues with Ridle Baku now one of those on their shortlist.
The Blues have been casting a wide net as they look to replace the departed Seamus Coleman and finally add a long-term solution to an ever growing problem.
Plenty of options have been emerging over the last two months, but it does appear that Alistair Johnston is the current leading candidate.
Should that move not push forward with Celtic, Everton have done plenty of work in scouting other options.
And RB Leipzig man Baku could be the plan B for David Moyes this summer.
Interest in Baku does also make plenty of sense, especially when considering the profiles Everton have been linked to.
What has been said about Everton's interest in Ridle Baku
Everton supporters are growing impatient over their search for a right-back.
As things stand, it does look like Jake O'Brien will be filling out at the right-flank on the opening game of the season.
But the Blues have not been standing still, rather it seems they are being extra patient over their search with Baku now said to be among those options.
According to The Athletic, while talks have taken place for Johnston, Baku is a player under consideration at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Baku is a German international, with him having eight caps for the the national team since 2020.
Whether Everton will formalise that interest remains to be seen, but with the current chatter around Johnston, that may only take place should that proposed move collapse.
Baku may turn out to be an affordable option, considering he has just one season left on his RB Leipzig contract.
What style of right-back is Baku?
If there is anything to take away from the continous links to differing right-backs it is clear that each option has one thing in common.
They have all been effective in the attacking third of the pitch, and that is quite true about Baku as well.
The arrival of Baku would provide the Toffees with an added threat going forward, with the versatile 28-year-old capable of playing anywhere on the right side.
When he joined RB Leipzig back in January 2025, director Marcel Schafer was full of praise for the German.
He stated as relayed by Bundesliga: "Ridle gives us more options in the future. He's flexible on the right wing, has an attacking drive, can tackle and shoot, and is good on the ball.
"Ridle also possesses pace and currently tops the Bundesliga for most sprints. That overall package makes him an excellent fit for Leipzig's playing philosophy."
Now, if Baku is a clear option for the Toffees, they could look to utilise those qualities in the Premier League, with Moyes seemingly wanting an attacking outlet on the right-flank.