Everton have reached a verbal agreement to sign Dutch defender Kenny Tete on a free transfer as per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
The 29-year-old is on course to sign a three-year contract until June 2028 with the final formalities expected to be completed next week once his current deal with Fulham expires on June 30.
The move addresses a critical need for Everton following the confirmed departure of Ashley Young and the uncertain future of long-serving captain Seamus Coleman, whose contract is set to expire.
With Coleman battling recurring injuries, and no clear successor established, securing a new right-back was high on Everton’s summer agenda.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Everton have reached verbal agreement to sign Kenny Tete as free agent, three year deal in place.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2025
Contract until June 2028 and formal steps to follow next week.
Here we go, soon. ✅ pic.twitter.com/oqPGK0r346
Tete, a former Ajax academy graduate, joined Fulham from Lyon and made 121 appearances in his four-year stay - registering four goals and ten assists - alongside becoming a regular in the Netherlands national team.
His experience in top-flight football and ability to play both in a back four or as a wing-back will add balance to a depleted defensive unit.
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David Moyes, who returned to Everton earlier this year, relied on makeshift solutions in the right-back position in the 2024/25 campaign.
Jake O’Brien, a natural center-back, was frequently deployed out wide which showed lack of depth, as Coleman battled injuries.
Why Everton wants Kenny Tete?
Tete is seen as a cost-effective addition as Everton face an extensive summer rebuild and with over a dozen players out of contract or returning from loan, leaving gaps across multiple positions.
While concerns remain over Tete’s injury record - as he's only once played more than 30 games in a season - but the club is confident his tactical awareness and discipline will strengthen their defensive core.