Everton Eye £35m Defender: Should Moyes Trigger His Clause?

Everton Eye £35m Defender: Should Moyes Trigger His Clause? Everton have given themselves a promising platform under David Moyes, sitting seventh in the Premier League after nine matches with 13 points. Three wins, four draws and two defeats have kept the Toffees firmly in the European conversation, while consecutive victories against Newcastle United have strengthened their momentum, including an EFL Cup quarter-final place. Sustaining that progress will require more defensive depth, particularly with several players carrying important responsibilities. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, signed during the summer to provide experienced defensive cover, has established himself as a prominent right-back option and remains contracted until June 2029. Jake O’Brien offers another alternative through 2028, while Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski have deals running until 2030. Michael Keane, however, reaches the end of his contract in June 2027. Keane’s situation gives Everton another reason to consider defensive succession planning. Moyes values defenders who maintain physical intensity, protect their positions and adjust between a conventional back four and a three-man defence. A younger player with those qualities could reduce the pressure on experienced starters without disrupting the current structure. Sport Witness reports that Everton, Newcastle United and Fulham enquired about Celta Vigo defender Javi Rodríguez in August, with Bournemouth joining the competition. The 23-year-old Spaniard offers precisely the versatility Moyes appreciates, operating at right-back or on the right of a defensive trio. Rodríguez has recorded three goals and one assist across his first 10 competitive appearances in 2026/27, adding attacking contribution to his defensive responsibilities. Yet Celta Vigo have secured him until June 2030 and insist they won’t sell key players in January. His £35m release clause represents the only straightforward route to forcing a departure, while Rodríguez himself has described Celta as the club of his life. Should Everton trigger Rodríguez’s £35m clause in January? VIGO, SPAIN – APRIL 16: Javi Rodriguez of RC Celta Vigo controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Real Club Celta and SC Freiburg at Estadio Balaidos on April 16, 2026 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images) Everton should resist that temptation. Rodríguez’s versatility and technical composure make him an attractive long-term option, particularly with Keane’s contract approaching its final months. Still, paying £35m upfront for a player who wants to remain in Spain would create unnecessary financial pressure under the Squad Cost Ratio rules. The Friedkin Group must protect the progress Moyes has achieved, rather than compromise squad stability for an expensive January gamble. Maitland-Niles and Tarkowski can cover the immediate requirements, allowing Everton to revisit Rodríguez during summer negotiations.