Everton Track £5.2m Defender: Should Moyes Move Now?

Everton Track £5.2m Defender: Should Moyes Move Now? Everton have given their fans plenty to enjoy this season, with David Moyes guiding the side towards the Premier League’s European places so far, and into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United . Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Christian Nørgaard have added quality and depth, giving Moyes more options as the campaign progresses. However, central defence presents a different challenge. Jarrad Branthwaite remains the long-term cornerstone, having signed a contract until 2030, while James Tarkowski continues to provide experience and leadership at 33. Michael Keane, meanwhile, approaches the final year of his contract, leaving Everton with a decision over their next defensive investment. Branthwaite’s importance makes succession planning particularly relevant. Everton need another young centre-back who can compete for minutes, learn alongside established defenders and eventually share responsibility for the backline. Moyes must balance that ambition against the need to maintain the current partnership and spend carefully, rather than add another prospect without a clear route into the team. According to Sport Witness , citing TuttoMercatoWeb, Everton have now joined Brighton and Hull City in pursuing Fiorentina defender Eddy Kouadio. The 20-year-old is spending the 2026/27 season on loan at Monza, where regular first-team football has helped him attract attention from English clubs. The right-footed centre-back has played 819 minutes across 10 matches and scored once. Fiorentina extended his contract until 2030 before arranging the loan, while his reported market value has climbed to around £5.2m. Monza reportedly want to keep him until the end of the season, which could complicate any January move. Should Everton pursue Kouadio or wait until summer? TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Eddy Kouadio of AC Monza in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Monza at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on October 23, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Everton should explore a permanent agreement that allows Kouadio to complete his Monza loan before joining in summer 2027. Keane’s contract situation and Tarkowski’s age give the club a clear reason to plan ahead, while Branthwaite would benefit from another young defender competing for a starting place. However, Everton shouldn’t mistake potential for Premier League readiness. His limited senior experience makes further scouting essential, particularly around his positioning and distribution under pressure. A deal near his current valuation could offer value, but Fiorentina’s asking price may rise after another strong season. Everton should pursue the transfer only if the recruitment team believes Kouadio can develop into a genuine first-team option, with a clear plan for his gradual introduction rather than an immediate starting role.