If you have a paid even the smallest amount of attention to Everton Football Club in recent years, you are likely aware of one seemingly endless truth: the Toffees need a right back.
Yes, club legend Seamus Coleman only left this summer to pursue other opportunities, but it's been pretty clear for several seasons now that a long-term replacement for the Ireland international was necessary, as Coleman has managed just 22 total appearances over the last three years.
The position, outside of Coleman, has been in a bad state over the last decade or so, with the likes of Jonjoe Kenny, Djibril Sidibé, Nathan Patterson, and Ashley Young, and an out-of-position Jake O'Brien tasked with holding down the spot, none to great effect.
It's possible that the club is finally aware of this, which is baffling considering the state of things in recent years. The rumored names are flying around, so let's take a look at some of them and gauge the likelihood of each one being the target for Everton, keeping in mind that signing two might be needed.
Djed Spence, Tottenham, 26 (when the season starts)
Spence is currently involved in the fullback turnstile of England's national team at the World Cup, although he acquited himself well when he came on as a sub in the side's win over Mexico earlier this week.
According to Jay Harris and Paddy Boyland at The Athletic, Everton are eyeing Spence as "one of the options they are looking at for the right-back spot." Spence joined Tottenham in 2022 from Middlesbrough for £12.5 million, and he has three more years on the contract extension he signed last season.
His rise to the England national team might add to his price, with Transfermarkt listing his current value at roughly €30 million (£25-26), which isn't outrageous given his age.
Spence is pretty everything O'Brien is not: fast, attack-minded, and explosive, something Everton need at the position.
If there was a place to splash some cash, this might be it, and given the age and profile, Spence could be a good option.
Ben White, Arsenal, 28
Harris and Boyland also note an interest in Arsenal's Ben White, who, after being a regular starter for three seasons upon his arrival from Brighton in 2021, has played just 1900 minutes in 29 appearances over the last two seasons, as he couldn't stay fit.
Like Spence, he has three years left on his deal, but the injury history and age are concerning (he'll be 29 in early October).
Arsenal seem set to lose money on him, having paid Brighton roughly £50 million for him, but this doesn't seem like the pool Everton should be playing in.
Guéla Doué, Strasbourg, 23
The most exciting name that Harris and Boyland mentioned is Strasbourg's Guéla Doué, who represents the Ivory Coast internationally and just featured as their starting right back in all but one World Cup match.
Doué excels as both a on-ball defender and getting forward into the attack, as exhibited by his impressive 11 career goal contributions in two seasons at Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
He's a good passer who is strong in the air, making him the textbook definition of a modern fullback. And at 6'0" and roughly 183lbs, he's going to be strong enough to withstand the punishment of the Premier League.
Price and competition may be the issue here, with Newcastle and AC Milan also in the mix, with a reported transfer fee in the neighborhood of €30 million for the player, with Harris and Boyland noting that would be "too expensive" for Everton.
Frankly, if the option was to spend that money on Spence or Doue, the choice is clear. But, of course, this isn't that cut and dry, as the player would have to be convinced to join.
But given the nature of the need, while the fee might be high, the opportunity for return on investment (Strasbourg would make about €24 million if they got that fee) would be strong, or he would prove to be well worth the money.
If we're living in a world where West Ham want £25 million for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, then Doue for that same fee is a no-brainer, provided you can sell him on the opportunity that could lie ahead on Merseyside.
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