The Toffees reportedly assessed multiple candidates for the right-back position, with the intention of securing a budget-friendly signing to conserve resources for other key areas, including a new striker and winger.

The Toffees are actively seeking reinforcements at right-back following the departure of veteran Ashley Young. Although long-serving club captain Seamus Coleman is expected to remain at Goodison Park, he is likely to take on a more limited role during the upcoming campaign.

Moyes, supported by Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, is looking to strengthen across various positions on the pitch. The club is also prioritising free transfers to allow more financial flexibility for other key additions.

Tete, 29, is set to become a free agent on 30 June when his contract with Fulham expires. While Marco Silva’s side had made efforts to extend his deal, reports suggest they are now poised to lose the Dutch international.

Everton appear to have seized the opportunity. According to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Merseyside club have reached a verbal agreement with Tete on a free transfer—marking a significant boost for Moyes and his plans for the new season.

“Everton have reached verbal agreement to sign Kenny Tete as free agent. Three-year deal in place—contract until June 2028. Formal steps to follow next week. Here we go, soon,” Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Tete, who has been instrumental in Fulham’s progress under Silva, brings top-level experience and defensive quality. However, his injury record remains a concern—he has missed 51 matches due to fitness issues over the last four seasons, averaging approximately 13 absences per campaign.

If finalised, Tete will become Everton’s second summer signing, following the club’s permanent acquisition of midfielder Charly Alcaraz.

Everton Decline Other Right-Back Options in Favour of Tete
The Toffees reportedly assessed multiple candidates for the right-back position, with the intention of securing a budget-friendly signing to conserve resources for other key areas, including a new striker and winger.

Everton’s transfer activity is expected to accelerate in early July, coinciding with the expiration of several high-earning contracts and the beginning of the new Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) financial year.

Interestingly, Everton are understood to have rejected three other potential signings in favour of Tete.

According to reputable Everton source A View From The Bullens, the club were offered the chance to sign Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, and West Ham United’s Vladimir Coufal—all on free transfers.

TEAMtalk contributor Darren Witcoop previously reported on 11 June that Coufal had expressed a preference to join Everton ahead of other suitors, as he prepares to exit West Ham.

Nevertheless, Moyes appears to have passed on the opportunity to reunite with the 32-year-old Coufal, with all indications now pointing towards Tete becoming Everton’s newest addition on a free transfer.