Everton are in the midst of a major summer rebuild, with several players departing and a clear need for reinforcements to reignite their ambitions and lay the foundation for a new era at the club.
Olympique Lyonnais have been relegated from Ligue 1 due to mounting debts reportedly exceeding €500 million. The French side recently appeared before the National Management Control Directorate (DNCG) to address their financial health and according to RMC Sport, the 2007/08 champions will drop out of France’s top tier pending an unsuccesful appeal, should they make it.
What better opportunity than to capitalise on the financial turmoil of a fallen giant?
The club finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and came agonisingly close to a Europa League semi-final, only to have their dreams dashed by a late Harry Maguire goal that broke hearts in the Rhône region. Despite lingering criticism of Ligue 1, often unfairly labelled a 'farmers league', the French side’s talent pool could offer David Moyes a valuable opportunity to upgrade his Everton squad this summer. Here are the players he should target.
Malick Fofana
The most ambitious of the trio, Malick Fofana has recently been linked with moves to Liverpool and Chelsea, transfers that could relegate him to a backup role. Everton, however, could offer the talented Belgian winger a significant opportunity. By investing heavily, the Toffees could provide him with a crucial stepping stone to continue his development as a Premier League starter.
Fofana enjoyed a standout season at Lyon, bagging 11 goals and six assists despite inconsistent starts. It is not where he truly shone, that was the Europa League, where he was directly involved in eight goals across ten European appearances.
His direct style and technical prowess could be exactly what Everton needs to ignite their attack, prompting Iliman Ndiaye to move to a number ten role and allow width within the attack.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Bringing him back to the Premier League, the Arsenal academy graduate has predominantly been used as a full-back during his time in France, a role he has performed with discipline and athleticism. However, it's in the position he first mastered as a youth player where he could offer Everton the most value: central defensive midfield.
Deployed as a backup or rotational option, Maitland-Niles could be groomed to take over from Idrissa Gana Gueye, should the veteran remain at the club, and gradually develop into a midfield anchor. His natural engine, composure on the ball, and versatility make him a viable option in the middle of the park.
To truly resurrect his England ambitions, though, the 26-year-old will need to sharpen his defensive instincts, learning to break up opposition attacks, read transitions, and become a reliable stopper in Everton’s system. With the right guidance, he could prove to be a shrewd and valuable signing.
Georges Mikautadze
The Georgian striker has an eye for goal, scoring 11 in 34 appearances with 6 assists to his name. Playing second fiddle to the club captain, Alexandre Lacazette, he may not want to move down to the second division
Mikautadze's playing style also aligns well with what Everton, particularly under David Moyes, might look for in a forward. He's a versatile centre-forward known for his intelligent movement off the ball, adept finishing with both feet, and composure in 1v1 situations.
While not traditionally a target man, his ability to link play, dribble, and create opportunities in transition would offer Everton a dynamic threat.