---
title: "Everton consider move for free agent World Cup centre-back"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-axel-tuanzebe-free-agent-interest/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2026-08-08T11:34:39Z"
modified: "2026-08-08T11:34:39Z"
---

# Everton consider move for free agent World Cup centre-back

[Everton](https://readeverton.com/) have registered interest in free agent defender Axel Tuanzebe, according to Ben Jacobs, with Brentford and clubs in Saudi Arabia also credited with interest in the 28-year-old.

Tuanzebe became a free agent when his one-year contract at Burnley expired at the end of June, though the club have since said they remain open to bringing him back, with new head coach Nicky Hayen naming him among a list of defensive targets.

The centre-back is understood to remain free to join any club, however, having impressed for DR Congo at this summer’s World Cup after switching international allegiance from England.

A boyhood product of Manchester United’s academy, Tuanzebe made just 16 appearances for Burnley last season due to injury, but his tournament form appears to have revived interest from elsewhere.

He has also previously spent time on loan at Aston Villa, Stoke City and Napoli, and had a spell at Ipswich Town before joining Burnley on a free transfer in 2025.

Any move for Everton would add experienced squad depth at centre-back on minimal financial risk, given his free agent status, though nothing has been confirmed by the club and competition for his signature looks to be growing.

[Everton’s live transfer tracker](https://readeverton.com/everton-2026-summer-transfer-tracker-every-deal-live/) has the latest on all deals in and around the Hill Dickinson this summer.