news-engine

Everton have to sign a new right -back this summer and have agreed personal terms with Kenny Tete, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Toffees now only need to agree a deal with Fulham to let him join the Merseyside outfit. His club is in active talks for a replacement. Everton have had a right-back issue for a couple of seasons now. Seamus Coleman was declining while injuries prevented Nathan Patterson from playing consistently. However, the Toffees were slow to act and suffered last season when manager David Moyes had to use makeshift options to fill the gap. Moyes played centre-half Jake O’Brien at right-back most often, and there are talks that he wants to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium to play in his preferred position. James Garner also deputised in that role as Everton looked short of options. With Coleman leaving when his contract expired this summer, they had to address it. Tete is a right-back with Premier League experience, which Moyes will appreciate. The 30-year-old Dutchman contributed a goal last season and helped his side keep five clean sheets in 25 Premier League appearances. He is yet to make an appearance this term, allowing Everton to pounce and secure his services. However, Tete feels like an underwhelming solution to a problem Everton have needed to solve properly for some time. He brings experience and Premier League familiarity, but his trajectory over the last two seasons has been difficult to ignore. His influence has waned, with his performances lacking the energy and consistency that once made him a reliable option. Everton need a right-back who can add dynamism to their play, provide an outlet in possession, and contribute at both ends of the pitch. Tete does not immediately look like that player. More importantly, his arrival would hardly move the needle for a side hoping to build on the progress made under Moyes. Everton need upgrades that raise the team’s level, not merely bodies to fill a troublesome position. Tete feels like the latter.