David Moyes suffers a great setback after a talented defender rejects his offer

Everton manager David Moyes has been dealt another frustrating blow in his pursuit of a new right-back, after reported target Anthony Caci confirmed he will remain with Bundesliga side Mainz by signing a new contract.

The Toffees are widely expected to dip into the transfer market again in January, with defensive reinforcements at the top of Moyes’ agenda. Despite some encouraging progress since the arrival of the Friedkin Group during the summer, it’s clear that Everton’s rebuild is still in its early stages.

Jack Grealish’s arrival and instant influence have provided a spark of optimism among supporters, but many of Everton’s younger recruits are still finding their footing in the Premier League. Moyes, therefore, is eager to strengthen his squad when the window reopens — and the right-back position has become a particular concern.

Everton’s Ongoing Right-Back Dilemma

Currently, Moyes has been forced to deploy centre-back Jake O’Brien on the right side of defence — a move born out of necessity rather than design. While O’Brien has performed admirably out of position, the 23-year-old is not seen as a long-term solution.

Nathan Patterson’s form has been inconsistent, and with veteran Seamus Coleman now 37 and nearing the twilight of his career, Everton are running out of reliable options on that flank. Moyes is keen to find a full-back who can contribute both defensively and offensively, ideally someone capable of linking up with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye on the right wing.

Anthony Caci Snubs Everton Interest

One player who had been identified as a potential solution was Mainz’s Anthony Caci. The 28-year-old Frenchman impressed last season in the Bundesliga, recording seven assists and establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent right-backs. With his contract set to expire next summer, Everton viewed him as a possible bargain acquisition.

However, hopes of bringing Caci to Goodison Park have now been dashed. Mainz have confirmed that the defender has agreed a new two-year deal, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028.

“It’s great news for us,” said Mainz boss Bo Henriksen in an official club statement. “Anthony is a very talented player who makes others around him better. We’re delighted that he’s committed his future to Mainz, and we can’t wait to have him back on the pitch once he’s fully recovered from injury.”

Caci has been sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring issue, but Henriksen’s comments underline how highly the club value him — effectively ruling out any chance of a January transfer to Everton.

Another Blow for Moyes in a Tough Market

Caci’s decision is yet another setback for Moyes, who has seen multiple right-back targets slip away in recent months. Fulham’s Kenny Tete, another long-term target, chose to renew his contract at Craven Cottage rather than make the switch to Merseyside.

Similarly, Greek full-back Georgios Vagiannidis — who had been on Everton’s radar after an impressive spell with Panathinaikos — opted to join Sporting CP in Portugal instead.

With Caci now off the table, Moyes and Everton’s recruitment team will need to expand their search and identify fresh targets ahead of the January window. The club’s hierarchy knows that strengthening the right side of defence is essential if they are to sustain their progress in the second half of the season.

For now, though, the challenge remains clear: Everton must act decisively to address a position that has become a persistent problem — before it threatens to derail their momentum once again.