Everton manager David Moyes and former Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe in a circular inset.
David Moyes and Axel TuanzebeImago and Burnley FC official YouTube channel
Transfers

What we know as Everton eye Axel Tuanzebe transfer

Pete Hanson
Pete Hanson

Head of Editorial Standards & Recruitment AUTHORITY Former senior digital journalist at Stats Perform; network specialist in live data, editorial standards, and journalist recruitment. FOCUS Editorial standards, Statscore live data integration, newsroom operations, and recruitment. THE BRIEF Pete brings deep data expertise from his time at Stats Perform to oversee the network’s use of Statscore’s live data, setting the standard for how writers use it to produce original editorial content. He is also responsible for maintaining editorial standards and leading recruitment across the network.

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Everton could look to add defensive reinforcement to their squad in the shape of Axel Tuanzebe.

The Toffees have undertaken modest work in the transfer window thus far as they prepare for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

Hayden Hackney was the first player to arrive this summer, joining from Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Christian Norgaard also joined to improve Everton's midfield, signing a two-year contract after a reported £7million fee was agreed with Arsenal.

Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl also joined on a full-time basis after enjoying loan stints at Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer.

Now, free agent Tuanzebe is potentially on David Moyes' radar as he looks to add to his squad this summer.

Who else is looking at Axel Tuanzebe other than Everton?

Everton already have four centre-backs on their books in the form of Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, and Jake O'Brien.

Tuanzebe, though, can play right-back - which is a hugely problematic area for Moyes - and defensive midfield.

So, it would make sense in terms of adding a player who is capable of filling several roles if the Toffees were to press ahead.

Transfer specialist Ben Jacobs, who features for talkSPORT and GiveMeSport, reported on X that Everton are among the clubs showing initial interest in Tuanzebe.

Premier League rivals Brentford and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also said to be monitoring Tuanzebe, who played 14 Premier League games for Burnley last season.

Tuanzebe has 17 caps for DR Congo, and is weighing up his options after featuring at the World Cup.

Everton manager David Moyes and former Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe in a circular inset.
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Does signing Axel Tuanzebe make sense for Everton?

The answer to that is kind of dependent on how you look at it really.

Does he start at centre-back ahead of Everton's other options if everyone is fit? Probably not, no.

Is he the answer to Everton's glaring issue at right-back, which must be solved imminently? Again, probably not, no.

And yet, would he represent a useful squad option, one who can play at centre-back and right-back if needed?

The answer to that one is probably yes. So, if Everton are viewing this as a chance to flesh out their squad with a good option capable of covering several positions then this deal makes sense.

Otherwise, it might be one to swerve for now.

David Moyes
Everton Football Club
Axel Tuanzebe
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