Everton ended their transfer deadline day with just one signing, that of Salomon Rondon. The Toffees were actively seeking a right back and targeted Nathan Patterson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles but neither of their pursuits came to fruition. Apart from Patterson and Maitland-Niles, Everton also enquired about Kyle Walker-Peters.
The Toffees’ never ending search for a right back has now dragged for two consecutive summer transfer windows. Everton captain Seamus Coleman is hitting his twilight years as a football professional and when the day comes, the Toffees need to be ready with a competent successor.
Over the course of two summers, the Merseysiders have been linked to numerous right backs. Max Aarons, Mehmet Zeki Celik, Diogo Dalot, Emerson Royal, Denzel Dumfries, Tariq Lamptey, Djed Spence, Patterson and many more, the list is enormously long. Not even a single move has materialized.
For a club breeding aspiration of European football, lack of depth in the full back position is not at all ideal. Everton have Jonjoe Kenny but he isn’t trusted in his entirety. Makeshift option Mason Holgate was heavily exposed and struggled while deputizing for Coleman last season.
Everton enquired about Kyle Walker-Peters
The Toffees did try to bring a new right back to add competition. Everton saw their two bids rejected for Patterson while Arsenal blocked Maitland-Niles’ move despite the player’s desire to leave the Gunners.
According to the Daily Telegraph (via Inside Futbol), the Royal Blues did enquire about Southampton right back Kyle Walker-Peters in the final days of the transfer window. However, the Saints rejected any deal for the former Tottenham Hotspur man.
Southampton signed Valentino Livramento this summer with Ralph Hasenhuttl preferring the new signing over Walker-Peters. However, the Saints refused to entertain any deal for Walker-Peters. With the transfer window now slammed shut, Rafa Benitez’s side is left without reliable cover at right back.
Should Everton consider a move for free agent Serge Aurier?
The next available opportunity to find reinforcements is in the January transfer window which is four months from now or else the Toffees may have to tap into the free agent market. Serge Aurier and Tottenham have parted ways after the Ivorian and the club terminated the contract with mutual consent.
Aurier may not be the most desired option but he offers some security. The 28 year old can not only operate as a right back but also as a wing back, centre back and even on the right wing. While at Spurs, Jose Mourinho used him in a number of positions. Aurier’s versatility and drive may come good for Everton. If a short-term stop-gap solution is to be found, Aurier can be considered, or else the Toffees need to wait patiently until the next transfer window.
Should the Toffees sign free agent Serge Aurier?