Seamus Coleman's retirement is a massive happening in the history of Everton Football Club, but it isn't because he's been a major part of the squad for the last few seasons.
Instead, it's because the club has been aware that Coleman was on the downward slope of his career for years, and little to nothing has been done to find a long-term answer to take over for the Everton legend.
So, as the rumors start to fly in for the upcoming transfer window, it should be no surprise that right back is reportedly high on David Moyes' list of needs for the squad. And it's definitely past time to stop duct taping the position together and to find someone who can become an instant starter.
Sunderland loanee wants to stay in the Premier League
The first link is to a player that Everton just saw in Sunday's 3-1 loss to Sunderland on Sunday: Lutsharel Geertruida.
The defender is currently on loan with the Black Cats from RB Leipzig, but indications are that the Dutch international wants to stay in England's top flight, and that Everton are among the teams interested in signing him on a permanent deal.
Sunderland opted not to trigger an option to buy on the player, who made 27 appearances for them this season, which doesn't necessarily rule them out for the summer.
According to Peter O'Rourke at Football Insider, the 245-year-old (he'll turn 26 in July) should cost somewhere around £20 million, not a bad number for a player of his age and profile.
A Spaniard on a free is also under discussion
Another name reportedly being talked about on Merseyside is Celta Vigo right back Oscar Mingueza, who will be available for a free transfer this summer.
According to Harry Watkinson at TeamTalk, the Spanish international, who moved to Celta Vigo from Barcelona back in 2022, is going to be on the radar of several clubs, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle also in the mix.
That means that Everton will need to sell the 27-year-old on an intent for European glory in the near future, something all those clubs, save for Newcastle, can offer for next season.
Mingueza is a product of the Barcelona academy, and he's been a regular fixture in Vigo's back line for the last three seasons in the highly competitive La Liga. Hopefully, that experience would be enough to convince Moyes to allow him to step into the starting XI if he opted to join the Toffees.
Ultimately, the hope is that these links are a signal that Everton truly understands how dire the need is at right back, and not just because Coleman is leaving.
Continuing to use a player who could be an excellent center back at right back is detrimental to both Jake O'Brien and the club as a whole, as it weakens the central defense as well.
This has to be the window where right back is addressed, and not just for the short term.
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