Why Phil Jagielka has gone against Everton transfer grain as 'bigger issue' found

Everton legend Phil Jagielka has weighed in on the Toffees' summer transfer window.

David Moyes welcomed seven new signings to Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.

Albeit, Jack Grealish, Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George were all familiar faces to the Everton faithful.

Despite an unbeaten start to the 2026-27 season in all competitions, the mood around Everton at the minute is one of serious discontent.

Indeed, the decision to let Beto leave before having Folarin Balogun signed only for the American to reject the Toffees has caused widespread anger amongst the fanbase.

It's not, however, the striker position that has got Jagielka talking post-transfer window.

Where doesn't Phil Jagielka see a 'massive issue' for Everton?

The talk of Everton's summer transfer window largely centred around when and where a new right-back was coming from.

Countless names were touted with the Toffees, but one by one those names seemed to slip through Everton's grasp.

It took until transfer deadline day to secure a last-minute deal for Lyon's Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the Englishman joining on a permanent deal.

However, despite the fact many Evertonians still don't feel the right-back problem has been solved, Jagielka is more concerned with the situation on the other side.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, the 385-Everton appearance-maker said: "For me, I don't think right-back is a massive issue.

"I do actually think there is about four players that can play right-back that will do an okay job for Everton.

"Left-back is probably a bigger issue because they've only got (Vitalii) Mykolenko."

So, just how good has Mykolenko been for Everton so far this season, and does it prove Jagielka's point as to his importance?

Why Mykolenko looks primed for Everton career year in 2026-27

A player who has largely split opinion amongst Evertonians during his Toffees career, Mykolenko is a key player in Moyes' squad.

That was proven by the fact he was handed a fresh three-year contract in June, to which he jumped at the chance to sign.

With Adam Aznou heading out on loan to Malaga, Mykolenko is now Everton's only natural left-back option in the senior side.

As detailed via FotMob, the Ukrainian's underlying numbers so far this term prove why Moyes can't afford to see him miss any extended amount of time.

Against Crystal Palace on opening weekend, he created one chance, played 15 line-breaking passes, made four clearances, four recoveries and won three aerial duels.

Then against Bournemouth, the 27-year-old played nine passes into the final third, made six clearances, seven recoveries and made four blocks.

He also won two ground duels and four aerial duels, in what was another all-round strong performance from him.

Jagielka may be right then. All of the talk surrounding the right-back situation may have distracted Everton from the bigger problem down their left.