Why Everton fans will love Taras Mykhavko - he's got cult hero written all over him

Tara Mykhavko already has the attitude required to become an Everton favourite in no time.

As Everton look to enjoy a strong second half of the summer transfer window, defensive reinforcements feels like being the order of the day at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Indeed, right-back is arguably the Toffees' priority position to strengthen at, but central defence could also use an injection of young talent too.

Mykhavko's name has recently cropped up in Everton transfer circles, with the 21-year-old enjoying a superb 2025-26 campaign with Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv.

He scored six times in 39 total appearances for them last term, as well as making numerous appearances in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League respectively.

But, it's not that pedigree nor his production that should attract Everton and David Moyes to his signature the most, rather, it's his character.

How often Taras Mykhavko would play if asked

Goodison News has been following reports linking Everton with a move for Mykhavko this summer, with suggestions being he could cost around £17million.

The 6'1" Lviv-born defender has been with Dynamo Kyiv since the summer of 2023, and has since earned his first cap for the Ukrainian national team.

Despite only being 21, he's already played 90 times for Dynamo in competitive fixtures, and his left-footed nature also enables him to operate at left-back if required.

So if his ability, potential and versatile nature weren't enough, he's also a natural leader who his comrades would run through brick walls for.

Speaking in an August 2025 interview with Dynamo Kyiv, Mykhavko was asked how he was able to play again so quickly after a Champions League game just days prior.

"The coaching staff told me I was preparing and playing, so I couldn’t say I had no energy – I’m always ready," he said.

"Of course, the travel can wear you down and take away some strength. But, as I’ve said, when you play for Dynamo I would play every two days if needed."

It's this attitude that will have Evertonians sold on him straight away, as for them, seeing players run themselves into the ground whilst wearing their shirt is the main thing they ask for.

With Michael Keane and James Tarkowski both 33 and not getting any younger, both of these veterans are also strong leaders and big dressing room characters.

So when the time comes for them to leave, having at least one figure in place at the back for them to pass that leadership baton on to will be key, and Mykhavko could certainly be that player.

But, why does his contract situation with Dynamo threaten to make any Everton transfer pursuit a very difficult one?

When did Mykhavko sign his latest Kyiv contract extension?

Unfortunately for Everton, any hope of a bargain deal for Mykhavko simply doesn't exist this summer.

That's because in January of this year, he penned a new five-year contract with Dynamo, taking his current deal through to December 2030.

Now, Kyiv likely did this not in expectation that he'll still be their player come 2030, but rather to protect themselves against losing him for a nominal fee.

This was a very wise move, as the Ukrainian international is a rapidly ascending talent, and one that now should any club want to sign him, they'll have to part with big money.