- Esteve has played 32 games this season for Burnley
- Bournemouth and Leverkusen are also interested in the French
- The Centre-back has previously voiced commitment to Burnley
Everton’s need for defensive reinforcements is clear. Jarrad Branthwaite has been injury‑prone this season with very limited games, Michael Keane signed a one‑year extension but is not a long‑term solution, and Jake O’Brien is a natural centre‑back who has been used as right‑back cover.
If European football is secured next season, squad depth will be even more essential. According to reports from Sportsboom, David Moyes is interested in adding Burnley’s Maxime Esteve to his backline.
The 23‑year‑old French defender has had an excellent season under Scott Parker for relegated Burnley. Rated at around £20m, Esteve is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth, making any deal very competitive.
Esteve season by numbers and playing style
Esteve has made 32 appearances this season, all starts, playing 2,765 minutes. He has contributed 1.1 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, and an impressive 6.5 clearances per game, along with 0.9 blocked shots and 3.3 ball recoveries. He has kept one clean sheet only but Burnley had rare moments of defensive stability this season. As a left‑sided centre‑back, he would offer natural cover for Branthwaite, who has struggled for fitness.
Bournemouth are also keen on Esteve. The Cherries are expected to offer him a more prominent playing role as Marcos Senesi is set to leave at the end of the season. That could be a decisive factor for the defender, who values regular minutes.
Esteve voiced commitment to Burnley previously
Esteve signed for Burnley in the summer of 2024 for over £10m from Montpellier after an initial loan. He signed a new deal at the start of this season and is contracted until 2030. He was linked with Everton last year as well, but he chose to stay and commit his future to the Clarets after their promotion.
Speaking to the Burnley Express in January, Esteve said: “I know I am young, but I don’t have the time in football, you know. I don’t have the time, so honestly, I think this is the best club to improve for me as a young player. As a centre-back also, I spoke a lot with the gaffer (Parker), so I’m still very, very happy here.”
Those comments suggest he values development and trust from his manager. However, Burnley’s relegation to the Championship may change his perspective. Premier League football, especially European competition, could be a strong attraction now for a change.
Can Everton convince Esteve?
Everton can offer the prospect of top‑flight football and potentially European nights. But Bournemouth may guarantee more starts and they are also in a better place for Europe next season . David Moyes will need to sell the project and the opportunity to compete for a place. With Branthwaite’s injury record, Esteve would likely see significant minutes.
The £20m valuation is not unreasonable for a club expecting a busy summer. If Everton act decisively, they could secure a young, talented left‑sided centre‑back who fits the long‑term plan. But they must move quickly, with Bournemouth and Leverkusen circling. Esteve’s happiness at Burnley was genuine, but the chance to return to the Premier League may be too good to turn down.
- Everton target key Burnley defender as defensive option
- Only a modest profit for Toffees from any Anthony Gordon sale
- Everton transfer news: Toffees eye Juventus duo as summer bargain options
- Thrashing at the Amex handed Everton an ideal platform
- ‘Everton are confident of keeping him’, Ndiaye expected to stay despite Premier League interest
