Merseyside | Everton close in on the signing of Kenny Tete

Would this be a good signing for Everton?

Everton are close to finalising a deal to sign Dutch right-back Kenny Tete from Fulham on a free transfer.

Author | Sarah W

Manager David Moyes has made strengthening the position a priority this summer following the departure of Ashley Young, who was not offered a new contract, and with long-serving captain Seamus Coleman's future still unclear.

Tete, 29, is out of contract at the end of June and while Fulham had been hopeful of retaining him, Everton have moved to make him their first-choice target. Talks over a three-year deal are at an advanced stage.

The Netherlands international, who has 14 caps, joined Fulham in 2020 and has been a regular presence over the past five seasons. 

READ MORE | Transfer News and Rumours from across Europe

READ MORE | Football news and stories from Merseyside

Everton manager Moyes sees him as a more experienced alternative to the likes of Nathan Patterson and Jake O'Brien, the latter of whom impressed at right-back under the Scot after struggling for opportunities under previous manager Sean Dyche.

Everton had also been linked with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters and West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal, who played under Moyes at the London Stadium. But Tete, previously of Ajax and Lyon, has emerged as the leading candidate due to his blend of defensive nous and top-flight experience.

The key moments of his career so far

He began his career at Ajax, where he had a highly successful three years with the first team, culminating in reaching the Europa League final in 2017.

The player, who has represented the Netherlands 14 times, then signed for Lyon, making 80 appearances there before moving to Fulham in 2020.

After 121 appearances with the Cottagers, establishing himself as a good quality Premier League full-back, he’s now set to complete a switch to Merseyside.

What are Everton fans saying about this potential transfer?

Steve, an Everton Season Ticket holder, posted this on X: “If this is true I’d be pretty happy with this. He impressed me at Goodison in October, he kept Ndiaye very quiet."

Tim, another Toffees fan, added: “Think the strength to Tete is that he can also play as a right-sided midfielder. I think it’s a smart signing on a free."

Andrew Franks, also gave his thoughts, saying: “This is a solid signing on a free."