Everton handed transfer lifeline to sign James Justin as late window opportunity emerges
Everton may have been given a fresh chance to secure the services of James Justin, with the transfer window edging closer to its conclusion.
The 27-year-old defender has been strongly linked with a Premier League return after suffering relegation with Leicester City last season. With Everton still actively seeking reinforcements before the September 1 deadline, Justin has once again come into focus as a possible target.
The Toffees’ season began in disappointing fashion with a defeat to Leeds United, a result that highlighted glaring weaknesses in the squad, particularly in defence. Sean Dyche and his staff are well aware that bolstering the backline is essential if Everton are to avoid another relegation scrap this campaign.
Everton boosted by Justin’s availability
Reports suggest Justin could be available for as little as £6 million due to his contract situation. The full-back, who rose to prominence at Luton Town before joining Leicester, is entering the final year of his deal at the King Power Stadium. That has left Leicester in a position where they may prefer to cash in now rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
Leeds United were thought to be leading the race for his signature, but their pursuit has suffered a setback after Justin picked up a knock over the weekend. According to Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell, Leeds’ hesitation has opened the door for Everton to potentially steal a march in the negotiations.
Although an injury naturally raises questions, Everton’s desperate need for defensive depth could outweigh the risk. The Merseyside club cannot afford to be overly cautious if they want to address their long-standing problems at full-back.
Toffees’ defensive crisis
Everton’s lack of full-back options has been laid bare in the opening weeks of the season. Jake O’Brien has performed admirably when called upon, but his role is seen as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution. Injuries to Nathan Patterson, Adam Aznou, and Vitaliy Mykolenko have left Dyche scrambling for alternatives, even forcing midfielder James Garner into an unfamiliar left-back role against Leeds.
Such makeshift solutions are unsustainable across a full Premier League campaign, underlining the urgency of signing a proven defender before the deadline. Justin, who has shown he can operate effectively on either flank, fits that profile perfectly.
Risk and reward
The concern over Justin’s fitness is valid, but it is also a calculated risk that Everton may need to take. The former England international has already amassed significant Premier League experience and brings versatility, composure, and athleticism to the backline. If the injury proves minor, the Toffees could land a bargain at £6m – a fraction of what he might have cost at his peak with Leicester.
For Everton, the decision is clear: gamble now, or risk being left short in a season where defensive stability could mean the difference between mid-table safety and another fight for survival.
As the window edges towards its final days, the ball is in Everton’s court. Moving swiftly for Justin could prove to be one of the shrewdest late-window deals in the Premier League this summer.