Everton secured a point against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as David Moyes‘ side played out a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium, but behind the scenes, they have been making progress on a potential late signing.
The Toffees looked set to leave the south coast empty-handed after Alex Scott opened the scoring for the hosts before half-time, with Bournemouth threatening to put the game beyond the visitors after the break.
However, Everton kept themselves in the contest and were eventually rewarded deep into stoppage time, as captain James Tarkowski netted a dramatic equaliser to rescue a point.
While Moyes will have been pleased with the character shown by his side to avoid defeat, attention will now quickly return to the transfer market.
Everton still have time to strengthen the squad before the deadline, and one position that has been crying out for additional depth is right-back.
Now, there has now been a significant development on that front.
Everton agree personal terms with Kenny Tete
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton have agreed personal terms with Fulham defender Kenny Tete over a potential move to Merseyside.
The transfer is not complete just yet, with the two Premier League clubs still needing to reach an agreement before the Netherlands international can officially become a Toffees player.
Fulham, meanwhile, are in active talks to sign Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Rațiu as a potential replacement, which may help open the door for Tete to leave Craven Cottage.
Tete has plenty of Premier League experience behind him after spending six years at Fulham, making close to 150 appearances for the London club in all competitions.
The 30-year-old also featured 22 times in the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign, meaning Moyes would be adding a player accustomed to the demands of the top flight, rather than someone needing time to adapt.
Securing another recognised right-back would also address one of the most obvious holes in the current squad as well. Nathan Patterson is currently the main senior option available to Moyes in that position, leaving the Toffees vulnerable should the Scotland international suffer an injury.
|
Premier League stats |
Kenny Tete |
Nathan Patterson |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
111 |
56 |
|
Starts |
99 |
29 |
|
Minutes |
8,482 |
2,872 |
|
Goals |
3 |
0 |
|
Assists |
8 |
3 |
|
Yellow cards |
20 |
8 |
|
Red cards |
0 |
0 |
Patterson has struggled with injuries during his Everton career, and asking him to carry all the responsibility on the right side of defence would be a big gamble.
Tete, rather than simply arriving as cover, has enough Premier League experience to genuinely compete with Patterson. He has shown himself to be a capable defensive full-back while also offering something going forward at times.
Moyes would also have the freedom to rotate depending on opposition, form and fitness, while Patterson would no longer be guaranteed his place. There is still work to do, though, with Everton and Fulham needing to agree the club-to-club terms of the transfer.
However, with the “underappreciated” Tete already agreeing personal terms and Fulham working on a potential replacement, a late move appears like it could be on the cards.
