- Everton are seeking to add quality full backs this summer.
- Right back is a particular area they are looking to upgrade.
- Centre back Jake O’Brien has been Toffees’ starting right back.
David Moyes has made it a priority to sign a right-back this summer.
Everton are starting to be linked with full backs ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer for the Blues.
Jake O’Brien is currently the Toffees’ starting right back, yet the Irishman does not provide the required skill set for a modern-day full back.
In an attempt to improve the right side of his defence, Moyes has reportedly shown an interest in signing this Premier League veteran.
Kieran Trippier has been contacted by Everton
Kieran Trippier is set to leave Newcastle United this summer following the expiry of his contract with the Toon.
In light of this, Everton have reached out to his representatives in an effort to sign the right back as a free agent, according to TEAMtalk.
The 35-year-old has featured in the Premier League for three clubs, and was a key man in Newcastle’s resurgence following their famous takeover in 2021.
In Trippier’s first full season in the North East, he played in every league match for Eddie Howe’s men, but his Premier League appearances have declined in consecutive campaigns since then.
Trippier would be an improvement, but the bar is low
The potential addition of Trippier would improve the right side of Everton’s defence, as they would at last have a right-back who would be a threat in the attacking third.
However, given how important full backs are to a team’s attacking play, should Moyes be look at a player whose match fitness will only decline?
The Toffees boss did try to include an ageing Seamus Coleman in his matchday squad since returning in January 2025, but the Irishman struggled to maintain match fitness, and has since opted to end his playing days at Everton.
With this is in mind, the addition of Trippier comes with the risk that he would not be able to be a reliable starter for Moyes, as maintaining fitness could be difficult for the ex-England international.
However, there is still the possibility that Trippier is viewed as a squad player, and the Blues may still attempt to attract another first team right back to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
This would be plausible considering the confirmed departure of Coleman, and the increasing liklihood of a Nathan Patterson exit.
Trippier is not the name Evertonians were wanting to hear with regard to their search for a new right back, but they should not write him off because of his age.
Names such as Gareth Barry and Richard Gough donned the royal blue of Merseyside in the latter stages of their careers and had an immense impact on their respective sides.
