Everton are poised to acquire a new left-back after completing the signing of Lyon’s Jake O’Brien, reports Alan Myers. On July 30, the Sky Sports journalist responded to a question via X, indicating that the full-back position is next on the agenda following the successful recruitment of the towering Irish centre-back. Vitalii Mykolenko, a regular starter, was injured throughout the preseason and has been linked to a move away from Serie A [Area Napoli, July 16]. Behind him is only 39-year-old Ashley Young, who signed a one-year contract deal earlier this summer to stay at Goodison Park. When asked if a left-back was next, Myers said, “So I hear”.
Everton has injury concerns, including Vitalii Mykolenko. Dyche will not want to lose Mykolenko, whether a fresh option arrives or not, but the Ukrainian’s fitness setbacks since the final stages of last season are concerning. The Toffees are reportedly interested in 120-cap Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez, who is available for free after leaving Torino [Football Transfers, 29 July].
The 31-year-old appears to be the ideal choice to come in and increase numbers for a season or two while Everton’s financial status remains unknown following the latest takeover collapse. However, Fabrizio Romano stated on July 29 that there had been no official bid from Goodison Park, despite the fact that primary competition had been ruled out because Inter would not let Simone Inzaghi to sign a player over the age of thirty.
An offer might be made now that the spotlight on O’Brien has passed, and it appears unlikely that a left-back will end the summer business in any case. After the departures of Andre Gomes and Amadou Onana, another central midfielder to supplement Tim Ireogbunam would most likely be required, with interest in Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips [TEAMtalk, 22 July] and Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu [Foot Mercato, 13 July]. A successor for Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be required if the striker is sold as planned [Times, 19 July], although this is allegedly easier said than done at the moment, according to Ian Croll on 26 July.
Although Leeds United’s pursuit of Willy Gnonto looks to have stalled [Myers, 26 July], Dele Alli’s resignation remains a possibility following a fresh deal with Tottenham [The Athletic, 16 July].
