Exclusive: Everton Miss Out on Late Transfer Swoop as Target Heads to Wolves
Everton’s summer transfer window has been moving along steadily under David Moyes, with the club carefully balancing squad reinforcements against budget discipline. However, despite a series of calculated moves, the Toffees have suffered a setback — missing out on a long-term target to Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Friedkin Group, now overseeing Everton’s operations, have adopted a measured approach this summer. Rather than splashing cash recklessly, they have focused on securing players who fit Moyes’ tactical vision and the club’s long-term objectives. Moyes has made it clear that he is not interested in simply adding numbers; his priority is quality over quantity, a lesson Everton have learned the hard way after years of inconsistent recruitment and high-profile transfer flops.
Still, while avoiding costly mistakes is important, there’s also the frustration of seeing priority targets slip away — and that is exactly what has happened with Jackson Tchatchoua.
Everton’s Pursuit of Jackson Tchatchoua Ends in Disappointment
The 22-year-old right-back has been on Everton’s radar for over a year, with initial interest dating back to Sean Dyche’s tenure. Reports suggest that the Blues tabled a £6.7 million offer for Tchatchoua in July 2024, seeing him as an ideal solution to strengthen the right side of their defence — an area that has been a persistent weakness.
Speaking to Everton.News, transfer insider Graeme Bailey confirmed the club’s interest but admitted that negotiations never reached an advanced stage.
> “Yeah, they are trying – I know they looked at Jackson Tchatchoua, but not sure it went too far. There has been late interest from Everton – but he is heading to Wolves,” Bailey explained.
This revelation has since been backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Wolves have beaten Everton to the signing, agreeing a deal worth around £10 million to bring Tchatchoua to Molineux. Under Vitor Pereira, the Midlands club have moved swiftly to secure the versatile defender’s services.
Wolves Win the Race
While Everton made a last-minute push to hijack the deal, it appears Wolves were always in the stronger position. Their ability to act decisively and meet the financial terms proved decisive, leaving Moyes’ side empty-handed.
The timing of this setback is particularly frustrating for Everton, as defensive depth is already under pressure. Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury — expected to keep him sidelined for six weeks — has forced a reshuffle, with Jake O’Brien now likely to start the season at right-back rather than in his preferred central role. Compounding matters, Nathan Patterson is recovering from a hernia problem, leaving the right side alarmingly thin on options.
Right-Back Search Reaches Critical Stage
The hunt for a new right-back has become increasingly urgent, but Everton’s options are narrowing fast. Leeds United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign James Justin from Leicester City, another player Moyes had identified as a potential addition.
For supporters, the situation is becoming a source of growing concern. While Everton have strengthened other key positions in this window, the lack of progress at right-back risks undermining the squad’s overall balance. With the Premier League season fast approaching, the club must now decide whether to push aggressively for an alternative signing or risk starting the campaign with a patched-together defence.
For now, Wolves can celebrate their success in securing Tchatchoua — a move that not only strengthens their own squad but also delivers a blow to a direct league rival. Everton, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on another transfer target that slipped through their grasp.
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