Everton close in on Premier League standout in defensive reinforcement on free transfer  

Everton have reached a verbal agreement to sign Dutch defender Kenny Tete on a free transfer, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The 29-year-old will sign a three-year contract that runs until June 2028 with formalities expected to be completed next week once his current deal with Fulham expires on June 30.

The move addresses a critical need for Everton following the confirmed departure of Ashley Young and the uncertain future of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman, whose contract is set to expire.

With Coleman battling recurring injuries and no clear successor established, securing a right-back was high on Everton’s summer agenda.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2025

Tete, a former Ajax academy graduate, joined Fulham from Lyon and made 121 appearances during his four-year stay, registering four goals and ten assists. He has also featured regularly for the Netherlands national team.

His experience in top-flight football and ability to play both in a back four or as a wing-back is expected to bring balance to a depleted defensive unit.

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David Moyes, who returned to Everton earlier this year, relied on makeshift solutions in the right-back position during the 2024–25 campaign.

Jake O’Brien, a natural center-back, was frequently deployed out wide which showed lack of depth.

Why Everton wants him?                    

Tete is seen as a cost-effective addition as Everton face an extensive summer rebuild and with over a dozen players are out of contract or returning from loan, leaving gaps across multiple positions.

While concerns remain over Tete’s injury record, he has only once played more than 30 games in a season but the club is confident his tactical awareness and discipline will strengthen their defensive core.