Everton Join Fulham in Pursuit of £8.5m Bundesliga Defender Anthony Caci as Moyes Eyes Full-Back Reinforcements
Everton have entered the race to sign highly-rated Mainz defender Anthony Caci, joining Premier League rivals Fulham in the hunt for the versatile Frenchman. As the Toffees gear up for a pivotal summer rebuild under returning manager David Moyes, bolstering the full-back positions has become a top priority — and Caci is now emerging as a leading target.
According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, Everton scouts have been closely monitoring the 27-year-old in recent weeks and view him as a serious candidate to shore up a defence that is in urgent need of fresh legs and tactical adaptability.
> “Everton have been following Mainz star Caci for weeks and they consider him a serious target for this summer,” the outlet reports.
A Rebuild in Motion: Everton Target Versatile Wide Defender
With Seamus Coleman approaching the twilight of his career and veteran Ashley Young departing Goodison Park, Everton’s defensive flanks are under review. Caci’s ability to operate on both sides of the backline, and even further up the pitch, makes him a particularly appealing option. Naturally a right-back, he has frequently filled in at left-back and right midfield, offering tactical flexibility that Moyes is known to value.
Caci spent the 2024/25 season as a regular starter for Bundesliga side Mainz, amassing 35 appearances in all competitions. His contributions went beyond just defending — he chipped in with one goal, seven assists, and 25 completed crosses. For a team like Everton, which struggled for creativity from wide areas, those attacking numbers are especially eye-catching.
Cut-Price Deal Adds to Appeal
What makes the potential transfer even more enticing is the financial aspect. Mainz are believed to be open to selling the defender this summer, especially with Caci’s contract running until 2026 and no renewal on the horizon. According to TEAMtalk, the German club are ready to sanction his departure for under €10 million (£8.5 million) — a modest sum by modern Premier League standards.
> “Caci is available for less than €10m (£8.5m) – a bargain fee for a player of his experience, versatility, and quality.”
In a transfer window where Premier League clubs are navigating tighter budgets and stricter spending rules, such a deal represents smart, low-risk business — something Everton have lacked in recent years.
Fulham Competition Real, but Everton’s Intent Strong
Fulham, who previously held talks with Mainz during the January window, remain firmly in contention to land Caci. However, Everton’s pressing need and renewed sense of urgency under Moyes could give them the edge. The return of the former West Ham boss has sparked a sense of direction at Goodison Park, and with full-backs high on his shopping list, Everton are expected to act quickly to avoid being outmanoeuvred.
Reports have also linked Moyes with a move for former West Ham right-back Vladimir Coufal, who could arrive on a free transfer. TEAMtalk contributor Darren Witcoop recently revealed that Coufal is keen on a reunion with Moyes, potentially adding further depth to the position.
Securing both Coufal and Caci would offer Everton the kind of reliable, experienced full-back options they have been sorely lacking, especially with doubts over Nathan Patterson’s consistency and Coleman’s future.
EPL Index Verdict: Smart, Sensible, and Needed
From a tactical and strategic standpoint, signing Anthony Caci would represent one of the more logical and forward-thinking moves Everton have pursued in recent windows. At 27, he offers a good blend of maturity and athleticism, with Bundesliga and Ligue 1 experience under his belt. His seven assists and attacking threat from wide positions provide a new dynamic that Moyes could utilize, particularly in counter-attacking systems that depend heavily on full-back delivery.
With a fee of just £8.5m, Caci presents as a low-cost, high-upside option who could either start or offer valuable rotational depth. In a climate where financial prudence is necessary, he fits the profile of a modern, multi-functional full-back — and his signing would show Everton are finally looking at value, not just reputation.
Final Thoughts: Board Must Act Fast
The key question now is whether Everton’s board will back Moyes decisively before Fulham — or another late entrant — swoops in. In a market moving faster than ever, clarity of vision and speed of execution can make the difference. Caci is not a blockbuster signing, but he could prove to be exactly the kind of foundational addition Moyes needs to restore solidity and discipline to his side.
If Everton are serious about rebuilding sensibly, efficiently, and with purpose, then sealing a deal for Anthony Caci could be a strong first statement of intent.