Everton have got a right-back problem. They can no longer fall back on the ever-reliable Seamus Coleman, who has called it a day on his career, and it’s becoming obvious that Jake O’Brien’s future should be as a centre-back.
Their solution lies in the transfer market and could be closer to home than they first thought, having set their sights on Tottenham Hotspur star Djed Spence.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
The Athletic have provided an update on Everton’s pursuit of a right-back, name-dropping both Spence and Arsenal’s Ben White. It remains to be seen who they prioritise, but both are feasible targets this summer. |
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Finances |
In terms of valuation, a transfer fee is yet to emerge for Spence. The World Cup could still complicate things if he takes his performance and price-tag to another level, forcing Everton to consider their options. |
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Insight |
Spence can play both left-back and right-back, and is a full international for England these days. Despite Spurs’ struggles last season, he remains one of the best one-on-one fullbacks in the Premier League. |
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Impact |
It could all come down to Spurs’ asking price. If it’s in reach for Everton, then they should be expected to make their move for the England star this summer. |
Spence would be an excellent signing for the Toffees, as they look to finally solve their right-back problem. Having already signed Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George, the fullback would be another statement of intent.
Everton now targeting Djed Spence move
According to The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, Everton are now targeting Spence this summer as part of their search for a right-back. Ben White is also a name on their radar after the Arsenal man fell down the pecking order in North London.
As things stand, the two Premier League defenders sit higher on Everton’s list than Guela Doue, who has been deemed too expensive for the Toffees to pursue.
Any interest is still in its early stages, but there’s no one that can deny the quality that Spence would particularly bring to David Moyes‘ side.
Speedster Spence would solve Everton’s right-back problem
A move for an out-and-out right-back who already knows the Premier League well would solve two key problems for Everton. It would finally solve their issue down the right-hand side and importantly allow O’Brien to move back into his centre-back role.
Spence is the perfect combination between a modern fullback and one who has the defensive prowess to keep top wingers out of the game, using his impressive speed.
Indeed, the England star sits in the top ten in Europe when measuring top speeds through the 2025/26 campaign, a list that Kylian Mbappe rather unsurprisingly tops.
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Europe’s quickest players 25/26 |
Top speed |
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Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) |
38 Km/h |
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Micky van de Ven (Spurs) |
37.38 Km/h |
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Kyle Walker (Burnley) |
37.31 Km/h |
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Chiedoze Ogbene (Ipswich) |
36.93 Km/h |
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Pedro Neto (Chelsea) |
36.86 Km/h |
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Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) |
36.76 Km/h |
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Matheus Nunes (Man City) |
36.7 Km/h |
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Anthony Gordon (Barcelona) |
36.68 Km/h |
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Djed Spence (Spurs) |
36.62 Km/h |
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Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) |
36.65 Km/h |
He’s more than just his speed, but that certainly helps make Spence an attractive option for Everton this summer.