Everton hold advanced talks to sign “superb” free agent in bargain deal
Everton Eye World Cup-Winning Defender as Summer Rebuild Accelerates
With Thierno Barry already edging closer to a move to Merseyside, Everton and new majority shareholders The Friedkin Group are not resting on their laurels. The club is reportedly making major strides toward securing the services of a World Cup-winning defender in what would be another key acquisition during a pivotal summer transfer window.
Michael Keane Commits to Everton with New Deal
In the midst of growing optimism at Goodison Park, the Toffees confirmed a fresh contract extension for long-serving defender Michael Keane. Despite losing striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin earlier in the window, Everton have managed to retain the experienced centre-back, who has signed a new one-year contract extension to stay at the club until the summer of 2026.
Keane, who first joined Everton in 2017 from Burnley, expressed his excitement and gratitude in a statement to the club’s official website:
> “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined, so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad, and I still feel I have a lot to contribute. We’ve been through some tough times in recent seasons, but there’s genuine excitement about what lies ahead for us and our incredible fans.
With our world-class new stadium on the horizon and the strong finish we showed last season under the manager, there’s plenty of reason to feel positive. I can’t wait to be part of the journey.”
The extension is part of a broader strategy spearheaded by manager David Moyes, who is determined to assemble a squad capable of pushing up the table in the 2024/25 season. Keane’s experience and leadership are seen as crucial components in Moyes’ evolving setup, which is also expected to feature several new faces.
Everton in Advanced Negotiations for Nicolas Tagliafico
And the next potential addition could be a major one. According to reports from Spain, Everton have entered advanced negotiations with Nicolas Tagliafico, the experienced Argentine left-back who recently departed Ligue 1 outfit Lyon. Now a free agent following Lyon’s well-documented financial struggles, the 32-year-old is seeking a fresh challenge—and a move to the Premier League could be the next chapter in his decorated career.
Tagliafico brings a wealth of experience, having won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and represented elite clubs such as Ajax and Lyon. The defender is widely regarded for his high work rate, defensive solidity, and tactical intelligence—traits that would immediately elevate Everton’s options on the left side of defence.
The Toffees see him as an ideal upgrade over Vitaliy Mykolenko, who despite being a dependable presence last season, did not match Tagliafico’s impact per minute on the pitch.
Key 2024/25 League Stats Comparison (via FBref):
Statistic Vitaliy Mykolenko Nicolas Tagliafico
Minutes Played 3,082 1,902
Assists 2 1
Tackles Won 38 37
Ball Recoveries 88 102
Despite playing significantly fewer minutes, Tagliafico was nearly identical in defensive metrics while excelling in ball recoveries. These numbers highlight his continued sharpness and reliability even as he enters the twilight of his career.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig once described Tagliafico as “superb” in the early stages of his career, and the Argentine has lived up to that billing throughout his journey. Now 32, he remains hungry and ambitious, and a move to the Premier League would serve as a fitting high note as he continues his professional legacy.
Everton Rebuild Gathers Momentum
Should Everton complete the signing of Tagliafico, it would represent a major coup for the club—especially given his availability on a free transfer. Adding a proven international winner to a team undergoing a major rebuild would mark a statement of intent under the new ownership and Moyes’ leadership.
With Barry’s arrival from Villarreal all but sealed and further targets like Wilfred Ndidi also under consideration, it’s clear that Everton’s recruitment drive is only gaining pace. As the transfer window progresses, the Toffees are determined not just to avoid another relegation battle, but to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League.
The pieces are beginning to fall into place—and with further reinforcements imminent, Everton fans have every reason to look forward to the 2024/25 campaign with renewed hope.