The word "secret" and transfer activity usually don't fit together, as the seasons leading up to and during the two transfer windows are ripe full of rumors and speculations about which club wants to add which players, who wants to sell another player, and everything in between.
So even though there's a rumor connected to this one, it is a little funny to read that Everton sent scouts "under strict secrecy" to take a look at Greek fullback Georgios Vagiannidis. Sources in Greece confirm that Everton have been watching the player "for some time."
The right back, who will turn 24 in September, certainly fits a need for the Toffees, who, as has been much reported on this site and elsewhere, have been on the search for a long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman for several seasons now. The Everton club captain will return for the 2025/26 season, but can't be counted on for regular playing time.
And so it makes sense that David Moyes and the backroom staff have their eye on yet another right-back option, albeit one that is coming from a lower-level European league in the Super League Greece with Panathinaikos.
It is comforting to see that Vagiannidis looks to be a very modern fullback in his play style. While he is a decent defender, his per90 numbers at FBRef show a player who excels at getting forward and whipping the ball into the box, even if the counting stats like goals and assists don't paint as kind a picture.
And even though the club level isn't the most rigorous, the fullback does have European experience, having played in both the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League over the past two campaigns.
He's also recently earned his debut cap for the Greek national team, coming on for a substitute cameo in September 2024 at the UEFA Nations League against Finland, and getting his first start this past March in the same competition in a 3-0 win over Scotland.
As we've often said, it is good to hear that Everton recognize where the weaknesses in the squad lie, as this link and others indicate the club knows it doesn't have a starting right back on the team at the moment.
And the reported price tag of €15 million wouldn't be outrageous for a player of his age and position, either. The concern would be whether he can make a rather large step up and be counted on to be a regular starter, with Coleman and Nathan Patterson not exactly proving to be the picture of health in recent seasons.
But the logic is sound, which is refreshing to see. You'd love a player with a bit more experience at a higher level, but sometimes the best Premier League players can come from places you'd never expect.