Everton have backed David Moyes somewhat this summer, but one problem position still stands out.
The arrivals of Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Merlin Röhl have added youth and quality across midfield and attack. An agreement in principle for Arsenal midfielder Christian Nørgaard could bring more experience too.
Right-back, however, remains unfinished business.
Seamus Coleman has left after his contract expired, ending a remarkable 17-year stay on Merseyside. Nathan Patterson has never truly nailed down the role and could reportedly be allowed to move on if Everton land a replacement.
Everton — confirmed summer transfers 26/27
Player
Joined from
Position
Deal details
25/26 league stats
Everton context
Hayden Hackney
Middlesbrough
Central/defensive midfield
Reported £16.5m initial fee, potentially rising to around £24m–£25m. Contract until 2031.
38 appearances, 5 goals, 8 assists
Middlesbrough captain and Championship Player of the Season. A composed passer who can receive the ball under pressure, carry it through midfield and give Moyes greater control in possession.
Merlin Röhl
Freiburg
Central/attacking midfield
Permanent transfer triggered after his Everton loan. Reportedly worth around £18m. Contract until 2029.
17 appearances, 1 goal, 0 assists for Everton
The 6ft 3in midfielder provides real versatility. Röhl can operate centrally, further forward or from the left, although injuries restricted his involvement during the early stages of his loan.
Tyrique George
Chelsea
Left winger/forward
Reported £18m guaranteed fee plus £6m in add-ons. Chelsea reportedly retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause. Contract until 2030.
11 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists across Chelsea and Everton
George spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton. The 20-year-old is a direct, technically gifted attacker who can play from either flank or cover centrally.
Moyes regularly used Jake O’Brien on the right last season, but the Republic of Ireland international is naturally a centre-back. Signing a specialist would allow him to compete in his strongest position again.
That is why Alistair Johnston makes so much sense.
The Canada international is experienced, aggressive, can overlap, support attacks and defend the back post, but he is also capable of tucking inside when his team build from deep.
Johnston took an unusual route to the top.
After playing college football in the United States, he began his professional career with Nashville SC before joining CF Montréal.
Celtic moved for him following the 2022 World Cup and he quickly became a trusted starter. He helped the Hoops win a domestic treble during his first campaign and has since collected trophies galore in Glasgow.
REUTERS/Kirby Lee
Johnston racked up 49 appearances across all competitions in 24/25, when he produced some of his best attacking football from full-back with 13 assists that year.
Last season was far more frustrating, with two hamstring problems keeping Johnston out for long periods, although he returned during the run-in and was fit enough to represent Canada at the World Cup.
Related
Fabrizio Romano: Everton preparing formal approach to sign 20-year-old from Premier League club
The Toffees are ready to move.
Everton now believe he can solve their long-running issue on the right.
Alistair Johnston ready to finalise Everton move as Celtic talks drag on
REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
TEAMtalk reports that Johnston is ready to finalise a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having made it clear that he wants the chance to play in the Premier League.
Moyes is described as a major admirer and Everton remain determined to complete the signing.
Previous reporting from the outlet suggested the Toffees hoped to agree an initial fee of around £12 million, with bonuses potentially taking the package to £15 million.
The clubs have not yet found their breakthrough.
Talks are said to be dragging on because negotiations with Celtic have proved difficult. Johnston signed a contract running until 2029 less than two years ago, leaving the Scottish champions in a strong position.
Timing is another complication.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has publicly expressed his hope that Johnston stays for their Champions League play-off against LASK Linz later this month.
Everton will want their new right-back much sooner as Moyes prepares for the Premier League season.
The player’s desire gives them encouragement, but it does not remove Celtic’s leverage. Until the two clubs settle the price and timing, Johnston remains ready and waiting rather than bound for Merseyside.
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