Everton are prioritising a new right-back after injuries to Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson, but links to Ben White and Emil Holm look speculative. Betting angle: if no specialist signing arrives, expect Everton to remain vulnerable defensively—punters might back Everton to concede or favour over 2.5 goals. A late defensive signing could shorten odds on Everton keeping a clean sheet and improve markets tied to their defensive stability.
Everton weigh right-back options amid injury woes and transfer speculation
Seamus Coleman’s hamstring problem and Nathan Patterson’s recent hernia layoff have left Everton short of a reliable specialist at right-back, making the position a clear transfer priority. Patterson has returned to first-team action, lasting deep into extra time in the FA Cup, but fitness doubts and past injuries mean the club continues to scan the market.
Fitness and form: Patterson’s comeback
Patterson’s recent minutes — including seven duels won and six crosses in 116 minutes during his latest outing — show promise, yet his long-term suitability as a consistent first-choice right-back remains uncertain. Interest from other clubs has surfaced previously, and loan departures remain possible if Everton opt to recruit elsewhere.
Clearing up the rumours: Ben White, Emil Holm and others
Reports linking Ben White and Emil Holm to Everton are largely speculative. There is currently no concrete indication that Arsenal’s Ben White is a pursuit target, and claims of swap offers involving Holm appear unfounded. Other names have circulated in the rumour mill, but none have emerged as active transfer targets for the club at this stage.
Profile Everton really need: specialist vs converted defender
Everton have been operating with a converted centre-back at right-back, a stopgap that offers pace and defensive solidity but limited progressive attacking threat. Club decision-makers previously explored more attack-minded options — players who can carry the ball, create overlaps and supply progressive passes — which would better balance the team’s creativity on the right.
Kenny Tete comparison and stylistic priorities
Scouting work highlighted players with a blend of defensive acumen and forward thrust. A true specialist right-back, capable of both robust defending and meaningful attacking contribution, remains the ideal profile for Everton, rather than another centre-back repurposed to the flank.
Managerial considerations and squad flexibility
Managerial plans factor in the ability to shift the makeshift right-back back to centre-back when needed. Any permanent arrival will be judged both on how it improves the right side immediately and on whether it restores balance across the defensive unit, allowing the current makeshift option to return to his preferred position.
Transfer window outlook and what to watch
Expect Everton to keep options open while monitoring available specialists who can offer attacking intent from the right. Key indicators of imminent business will include concrete loan offers for Patterson, confirmed scouting activity around identified right-backs, and late-window discussions to bolster depth before the deadline.
Betting implications from Everton’s right-back search
If Everton fail to secure a specialist right-back, markets tied to goals conceded and match totals may remain attractive for punters. Conversely, a late signing with attacking intent could improve Everton’s defensive balance and shorten odds for clean sheets and lower-goal outcomes. Track confirmed signings and official squad updates before placing market bets.
Everton player wanted by UK and Euro clubs, swap claims wide of mark - report
Arsenal defender Ben White has been named as a potential Everton target while a report in Italy claimed they were eying Emil Holm in a potential swap deal
Liverpool Echo