Examining Kenny Tete’s injury record

The injury he got last year was due to a bad tackle by Joe gomez which can happen to anyone.

He's a massive improvement on O Brien and Patterson as a right back.

He'd come in and be a good first choice straight away and with O'Brien as back up (as well as Coleman, Patterson and Garner) we'd have cover for him.

Stating the obvious here but given how many players we need to sign to get a good RB on a 'free' that could sort the position out for 3 seasons (injuries permitting) would be a great bit of business and allow us to spend more money in some of the other problem areas.

I'd be delighted if we signed him.

We might only need or use him as a squad player depending on formations/fitness/rotation/form anyway and I highly doubt he'd be on the same wages as someone like Kyle Walker. Even if he's only fit for 20 odd games, it still represents an improvement on our RB options over the last few years. And we need numbers.

Although I still hold out hope that Patterson could finally do something, I think we all know that isn't happening in reality.

You can't hold something against a player for getting injured, especially if taken out by a shit house tackle. Adrian Heath, Seamus Coleman, there are probably more. And then Covid. Something the player had no control over.

I obviously never know, but I can see Patterson being retained. For the right back berth, and if Tete happens,, that's Tete, Patterson, possibly Dixon, with O'Brien as an option. The defence is looking fine.

If we get this done, we can move on to other areas of the squad.

Geoff Nulty…

Tete wasn't even close to being the best defender on his own club, not with Robinson and Bassey around. Statistically he's one of the top defensive fullbacks in Europe for tackles and interceptions per game, but he's not a contributor in attack.

Si, he's missed 51 games in the last four seasons. Not half, certainly, but not exactly a stellar record of durability.

Ryan and Lee, the knee injury (which was a clash with Gomez, not a bad tackle) isn't my concern. What bothers me is all the muscle injuries. Groin, thigh, calf, hammy... six in six years. They tend to recur as you get older.

Tete is a squad player, and full-backs have become one of the most important positions these days, but we need cover for both full-back positions so I really hope we get more than Tete.

I know Jake did a real good job there but, with Tarkowski injured and Jarrad's potential injuries, I see him as centre-back cover or even first choice.

The problem is, we need so many players… and it is okay to identify who or what type of player you need — but it is a different matter landing them.

Oh, and “saving money to buy talented forwards?” How many strikers does he think we're going to sign, while ignoring the one position, winger, every person on TW agrees is top priority. These articles are becoming a total joke.

At least the mostly intelligent comments remain.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather sign someone like Denzil Dumfries, but we're not in that space right now.

I agree with you, Jake will likely still feature more as a centre back. As I mentioned previously, with this addition, if it happens, would be an addition to cover in that position.

We need around 5-6 free transfers in order to spend money on 3-4 decent forward players.

You’re generally right about the way these articles are written though. I can only assume they’re non-Evertonians who think that ‘optimism’ and enthusiasm sells - how little they know about our mentality.

Andy - I also think that Patterson is potentially decent and am surprised at his treatment thus far.

But given our limited options at right-back, along with budget/PSR concerns, then I'm quite happy to take a chance on an experienced Premier League player like Tete on a 'free' transfer. Its a gamble but so is every signing, to a degree.

I still fancy Walker-Peters as a squad player too, his fitness record is very good from what I've read online. He provides cover at both full-back positions and is just turning 28 years old so should be good for a few years or at least a small fee if things don't work out.

I listed 20 better right-backs just in the Premier League.

Surely there has to be better than him, available for a loan to buy or not an outrageous fee. Full back is one of the most demanding positions on the pitch, and we are in the bargain bin for a situation vacant. It's amateur hour.

A lad who's already missed around 50% of matches doesn't scream his body can cope for the next 3 years. It screams the recruitment team looking down the released section.

Surely the freed-up wages of Doucoure, Lindstrom, or Broja can cover a down payment or loan fee for a starting right-back who isn't a free.

Penny wise, pound foolish. We will shelling out wages, and need another bargain basement right back to cover the cover.

I think Tete (when fit) is a lot like Mykolenko, a very strong 1-on-1 defender who few wingers will better. Tete is a bit more comfortable on the ball, though no maurading right-back. Given the solid job that O'Brien did, I think I'd be comfortable with him and Tete covering right-back.

I think the Mykolenko comparison is probably a good one from what I can tell, having read a bit and watched a bit of highlights.

My friend, a Fulham supporter, says he's an excellent 1-v-1 defender, tough to beat, a la Mykolenko, but doesn't appear he's very dynamic going forward. Which makes creating a dynamic midfield all the more important for us.

I know Michael Kenrick has stated that Anjishu is a real person not an AI but I am assuming he is a real person who uses AI to research and write his articles.

Utterly bizzare content he churns out for this type of site and he never responds to comments which is a bit of a giveaway.

And he isn't as good as the right-back (and in many cases the reserve right-back) for each the Rich 8 clubs. Again, presumably not much argument there?

Others may disagree but I think Munoz of Palace, Wan-Bissaka of West Ham, and Hinshelwood of Brighton are definitely better too. I know there are stats to support Tete's quality but this is one of those occasions where I'll raise my eyebrows at the stats.

But like I say, he's not terrible either. He is much of a muchness with a handful of other more average right-backs like Araujo of Bournemouth, Hulme of Sunderland, Bogle of Leeds, Castagne of Fulham – and maybe the lads at Forest, Williams and Aina.

Of all other Premier League right-backs for next season, I think he is only definitely better than Roberts of Burnley. If he ends up being brilliant, then by all means hit me with a collective "I told you so" next April.

Whatever the case, he does represent improvement on having definitely the weakest right-back for the past 2 seasons.

So a bit of an improvement without being spectacular. As free transfers Walker-Peters and Lamptey would offer a bit more in attack but are not exactly Hakimi. Of the free transfers this one is more "solid".

Hopefully we show a bit more ambition with the next big priority position being right wing / forward.

I believe he's a real person, stuck doing a job for a media company with minimal Everton knowledge or interest, probably writing similar articles for 18 other similar sites.

I do sincerely hope he's not coming for bigger wages. He was on £50k a week; if it's the same again, that looks reasonable.

My expectation is that, as a free agent, he's not coming for £50k. An article on the click nonsense (I know, I know) suggests £100k a week or £20M committment over 3 years.

2 goals, 8 assists, a bottom tier right-back, bad playing record, and potentially doubling his wages.

If that is the case, and time will tell, we've learnt fucking nothing.

I was devastated when West Ham got Wan-Bissaka for a bargain £15M. He was exactly what we have needed for years.

I am just hoping Tete is to fil lout the squad numbers and we can bring a better quality right-back in.

I fully expect Tete to be first-choice right-back. He's not leaving Fulham to be back-up at Everton.

I think a lot will depend on fitness. If he can break the habit and play 25 games plus then I think he will pleasantly surprise many. For what it's worth, most of the Fulham fans I know see him as significantly better than Castagne for them.

But yeah he's a free transfer on relatively low wages so naturally he's not gonna be winning best right-back of the season.

I struggle to see him not benefit from being a free agent.

I believe Tarkowski is on around that and has been an ever present. I've heard a figure around £70k which seems about right given no transfer fee.

I hope Tete can do a job because none of our managers trust Patterson, who's biggest problem for me is his concentration and ball watching, we should try him on the right wing; he's good going forward.

But if he was, that's £15M over a 3-year deal so peanuts in the grand scheme of Everton's turnover for that period.

It's the Everton fans' way to slag every player, isn't it?

NSNO innit?

He's one of the first names on the Republic of Ireland team sheet, and I know we're not blessed with star players, but Jason is an unsung hero, and deserves to be playing Premier League football.

I was impressed with Lamptey on the few occasions I seen him play against us. A couple of games isn't enough to form proper judgement, but sometimes a player catches the eye.

Ryan @32, I think you'd have been better off using the word "some" in that. Some Everton fans and some Everton players.

I don't hear everyone slagging every player. Pickford, O'Brien, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko (always one of the first over to us), Gana, Garner, Ndiaye, Alcaraz and Beto.

I don't hear your description of the Everton fans way from the stands to be fair.

Not heard of him Christy. Interesting insight.

Robert and Danny, Lamptey dazzled me when I first saw him years ago, but as your expression would have it, he flatters to deceive. His speedy overlaps and spiffy skills generally produce nothing at the end. And he's defensively defective, so I'd be astonished if Moyes were interested.

Jonathan #12/#22 and Kieran #20, as I mentioned in another thread, Anjishnu is a young writer learning his craft, and I try not to be too harsh. You are both correct that he writes for multiple sites about multiple sports, including (ugh!) cricket. I don't doubt for a moment that he uses AI, and for specialty sports content that doesn't often go very well.

Mike #14, the new owners of TW aren't Evertonians and don't pretend to be. They're just providing an outlet for those of us who are.

As a comeback. Baseball. Rounders with a big bat?

American Foot(WTF?)ball

Lamptey is thrilling going forwards but I don't think he's an outstanding defender and his stature limits him in that regard as well.

I'd formed a positive image of Tete from somewhere. If his injury record is a big concern, hopefully the contract would factor that in – some bonuses on top of his basic if he plays so many games perhaps?

Sticky wicket that, eh?

Mark, yeah, Rob Halligan regularly scorches me about my cricket attitude. But I just can't get my head around a game that has tea breaks.

Another sport I don't confess to understand, but enjoy watching. Not NFL, but I follow the Longhorns, due to links to friends in Texas.

Down the soft south where they play crick...

Please Liam... give me a break FFS!

I was at Lords, home of cricket to watch a test match and sat next to a Yank who was there for the 'English experience'. We got talking because he didn't understand the game. I made pretty good progress using baseball as the proxy. The bowler is the pitcher, you have a batsman, same as baseball, but you only have two in at a time and they run up and down, not round 4 bases. Swing and seam bowling, even spin, was easily equated to pitch types- slider, curveball etc, as was the wicket keeper role.

Then we got onto fielder positions. First question, why is (nearly) everyone standing behind the pitcher, why don't they spread out? Made me think but I just said, it's where the ball usually goes if it's in the air and so that is where you put the catchers. That sort of worked, but then I made the mistake of explaining fielding positions- long leg, third man, short leg, silly mid wicket... you get the picture.

He was just getting interested in the game, when there was a break. What's happening, he said. It's drinks. What??!!! A while later, the players walked off the pitch. Is that the end of the game, he said? No they are going for lunch. In the afternoon, after another drinks break, off went the players again. What now, he said. Well they are going for tea. What is this, he said, a game of sport or a food and drink festival, do they have dinner too? No, they end the day's play and come back tomorrow. Tomorrow? How long does this game go on for? 5 days, and often it ends in a draw.

It was at that point the game of cricket lost him.

I disagree he'll be 32 in 3 years and nobody will buy an injury prone player at that age. He'll end up on a free at the end of his time with us.

Fulham want to keep him but he wants more money so it seems they don't think he's worth more money.

So is he looking for a pension payout plan given that he'll be 32 and is injury prone? Maybe he already thinks his body won't be up to it for much longer.

Anyway, looks like he's coming so I hope he does well for us, stays fit and could even earn a contract extension.

Mark Taylor talking cricket, next you'll be telling me you're from Wagga Wagga. Yes, it does exist and I have played cricket there.

Some years ago,I met some Americans at cricket Test Matches. They were not there as a group or the same game but they were all fascinated by one man, Shane Warne. It makes me laugh when I wonder how a baseball batter might play him or is it a "no ball" if it bounces in baseball.

We have seen so many players come in, deliver nothing but earn £4-5m a season for precious little. We've cleared the decks, but seem to be about ti maje the same mistake.

Not only have we paid the wrong transfer fee, but we've compounded that by sticking them on wages that no one else would pay for that level of player.

We've seen hundreds of millions of £ players run down contracts, because no one else would offer that wage.

We have a top 40 wage budget in the world, but the squad is way off that level.

If the rumoured £100k a week is right, I'll compare that to Denzil Dumfries eur100k a week. If you're paying a reserve right back 75-100k a week, what you saying to Branthwaite and Ndiaye at contract negotiations. Sorry boys, its £100k a week for you, we don't care that youre brilliant - Kenny has two assists all season and is going steady with the physio.

The excitement of signing a player, needs to put into the context of a £15-20m commitment that will be worthless in 3 years time. Smart clubs don't do that. If they're putting that into a player, they get it back plus a return. Not Doucoure on £130k a week, Keane £75k a week etc.

Nil satis... more like ground hog day.

Nothing against the guy, and technically he sounds good when he's fit, but we've been down this path before.

Like I said above, it looks inevitable he's coming so I hope he does well.

But then Thanos thought he was inevitable 🤔

Transfermarket (usually on the low side in terms of valuations) puts his value at £12m. If we are saving that amount in terms of an alternative then we are only paying him the equivalent of £1m a year for his wages.

Also any other current players negotiating contracts will not compare with Kenny knowing that a free transfer player is always able to demand about 30-40% more due to lack of initial transfer fee.

I suppose it depends on wage and fitness. If he's on 100k and spends 70% of his time with the physio then obviously it won't look a great deal. But if he's on £70k and end up spending 70% of his time on the pitch then we've got an eperienced starting RB to fill a hole for a season or two for little investment.

Have to wait and see. He's not even signed yet!

You over pay in any work place, then your better players/staff want more to that, and your average players want to be brought up to that level. That's the reality.

If it helps out, look at the number of players out of contract in 2026 at Everton. If I am the agent of Garner, McNeil or Mykolenko, id want to be matched. And if I am Branthwaite or Ndiaye, id be wanting vastly more.

By all means pay the match winners big money. But don't overpay the subs.

I cant think that we've saved £12M, if it's worthless in 3 years time either. It is sunk money.

I said before penny wise, pound foolish. The club transfer strategy needs to utilise having players that have a future transfer value.

Smart clubs would pay £50-60k a week, buy for £12-20M, and would have a player worth £30-4 in 2 years time. See Kerkez, Semenyo, Huijsen. How can Bournemouth do it, and we cant? Answer they don't over pay wages, they buy players on the up, and sell smart, having an energetic and vibrant side in the interim.

Bournemouth, fucking Bournemouth.

But I do think you need to look at the window as a whole. If we only have say £80-100m to spend and there are needs all over the pitch then we have to try and save money in some spots.

In terms of wages no-one knows better than agents that players arriving on a free will get better wages. It was the case with Tarkowski and Bernard and plenty more at other clubs. You're essentially getting your transfer fee built into your wages. It's like comparing apples and pears.

I'd be delighted to follow in the footsteps of Bournemouth but this summer we have a lot of spots to fill with a limited transfer kitty. Given the players leaving our wage bill has dropped hugely. It was always likely that we would have to supplement (hopefully) younger Bournemouth type purchases with some cheap experience. Let's judge it all when the window has finished rather than when it's only just begun.

Personally, I think we should be doing it the Bournemouth way for a season or two at least - bringing in a higher volume of lower cost / lower wage players who can then develop. The players are out there - and don't require super scouts etc to find them.

It was interesting to see how Brighton fared last season when they shifted gear on recruitment. Previously, they had been buying talented players for relatively low cost - but last season they moved up a level or two into the £30m to £50m zone of more ready-made players.

However, I don't think any of their higher cost acquisitions of last summers £230m spending spree were particularly successful. It looks as though they have managed to spend £30m and upwards on the same quality of player they were previously buying for between £5m and £15m.

This is not unlike the situation Leicester found themselves in a few seasons ago - which ended up seeing them relegated (although Brendan Rodgers getting in a huff also contributed heavily).

I remember talking to Brian Labone and I asked him if it bothered him that other players were getting more than and Brian said I don't know what other players are being paid but if I find out they are getting more than me then I'll be right into the manager demanding the same as them.

This was in the days before agents and possibly before Johnny Haynes became the first £100 a week player and people gasped at that asking ‘ Where will it all end'. Well we all know the answer to that and the dog is not just wagging it's own tail it's barking for plenty bleedin' more.

On wages, I don't really know how true the figures quoted are. I don't really look into it. As I understand, it will be Kinnear and Hammond doing the transfer and contract negotiations?

I agree with you Ian on investing in younger players. My slant is probably more one-eyed. It would be for their longevity at Everton. But I'm not naive. Players come and go, so yes I get the resale piece.

But there's always a here and now aspect. Can the player do a job for us now? That's down to the manager to decide, before he hands over contract negotiations.

As for injuries. That's for the medical team to assess and decide if he's been unfortunate, or he has prolonged issues.

We've had good and bad examples.

We signed Andy Gray, approaching 30, and carrying a dubious injury record. He helped us to 3 trophies. Nearly 4.

Wolves lost out there. At the time, they paid over £1M for him, but let him go for £250k. We got a return, less than we paid. Different times, different scale of fees.

Then on the other end of the spectrum, we invested in Gbamin. I had high hopes, but then I always do. He was seemingly made of the thinnest of thin glass and couldn't kick a football without getting injured.

If signing Tete means we can go out and buy 3/4 exciting young talents at RW, CF, CM (Guessand, Barry and Camara for example) then I'll be happy. If we follow it up with Jack Harrison, Danny Ings and Josh Brownhill then obviously it takes on a different complexion.

Any squad rebuild is likely to require some mix of experience and youth, large expenditure and small.

'No, not them ones.'

...and not future prospects either!

Anyone want to become the leader of 'The Alliance of Real Everton Fans!' which shouldn't be confused with 'The Real Alliance of Everton Fans'

That was another difference with baseball that needed explaining, most deliveries bounce.

On the topic at hand, the first thing I do with incomings is go on the fan forum for the club he is leaving. What is clear is how highly Tete is rated defensively. They would sooner not lose him and question why to Everton. Talk of Bobby maybe wanting a more attacking RB.

There is also mention of injury issues. What has happened, happened but surely medicals are to ascertain the condition of a player's body. If he passes that, he should be deemed medically sound, looking forward.

As others have said, this deal needs to be looked at in the round and in terms of overall squad re-structure. We have too many spaces to fill, to miss an opportunity to recruit a quality player, significantly superior to current options, in a key position, with the transfer kitty directed elsewhere to other, arguably even more urgent vacancies.

The challenge then becomes getting players of acceptable quality, at the right price, right fitness profile etc. without falling into the same trap of a few years ago of paying over the top wages and giving too long a contract, leaving us with the problem if they are not up to scratch, of moving them on.

Not an easy challenge, and one I suspect will be the cause of many differences of opinion on TW. Kenny Tete would seem to be an ideal example of this kind of player.

Will we get value for money on the pitch? Will his injury problems come back to haunt us? Will he spend weeks in the treatment room? Is 29 the age profile we should be considering?

Who knows? Maybe an asset, maybe not, but that is the kind of market we are in, unless we decide to go all out for young prospects from foreign leagues or the championship, but that also is not without problems, remember Gbamin, Kean, Patterson etc?

I suspect that the best we can hope for is that we can acquire 2 or 3 quality players who can help to take us forward plus several solid experienced professionals who can add strength/back up in positions where we are lacking in the short term and no duds who simply cost us money with little or no contribution.

All points to an interesting few weeks, good, respectful discussions on TW and maybe even a few rants!!!

The vast majority of our limited transfer funds should be spent on players at the top end of the pitch.

We are likely to have to bring in 8 players this summer with a transfer budget constrained by PSR; if we sign Barry he will take up a large chunk of that budget. There will be other signings of this nature during the summer.

Personally, I think it is solid business to sign a right back with 100 league appearances on a free. He will command a premium on his salary as he does not require a fee, but I strongly doubt he will be on anything like £100k a week.

Perhaps we could wait for him to sign, lace up his boots and play a few games before we write him off.

I don't know the budget, I don't know the inner thoughts of Moyes and the recruitment team. I just hope we are sensible in addressing the positions we have gaps in.

Over the course of many threads, the consensus is that is our right flank.

A striker is likely to depend on the Calvert-Lewin situation.

A midfielder will also depend on Gana's decision. And we keep forgetting that Harrison Armstrong is back at the club. Probably not a starter, but could get the opportunity after his loan.

I'm with Steve. I don't know too much about this player. If he signs, lets judge him as an Everton player.

If the transfer budget is that small, then perhaps it would be better looking at getting a striker on loan (Richarlison, Ferguson), and use the money more wisely through the team, is a better place to go.

Surely the name of the game is improving the squad across the board.

We already doubt that a new striker is going to out score beto materially. Is a £35m odd bid Barry the right thing for us now when there are more obvious flaws in the side.

4 odd loan slots to use? We need to be more creative. I had hoped Alcaraz was taking us down that road. But no, the old release list in the Rothmans guide is our ambition.

Piss poor that clubs can discover a Kirkez, and we are still fiddling around in the Rondon bargain bucket bin

Don't fucking start me on Longstaff.

"Formal steps will follow to finalise the signing once his contract expires at the end of the month."

So we won't be getting him by July.

Getting a crocked Richarlison or a confidence shot Ferguson is not the way to usher in a new era at BMD.

He is just another sick note.

Speak for yourself or define who you mean by ‘we'.

It's simply daft to assume you speak for a fanbase.

Additionally, does anyone know of any strikers we are looking at. The the intention of making a bid?

His enthusiasm and dedication is bound to rub off on other and nobody can argue about the value he has given us over the years.

My main concern is the type of players we are being linked to and the seemingly lack of urgency to get players in for preseason.

Does that include running from it, dreading it, and destiny arriving all the same?

I’ll get my coat.

Mark #44, I was explaining the match to my 9-year-old grandson, 5 days, drinks, lunch, tea and all. He asked; “Do they sleep?” Give it 10 years, they won't let them.

I thought the days of scraping down in the detritus of the free transfer market were over but if nothing has changed then I'd opt to retain Seamus, Young or even Keane over this croc of a defender!

Meanwhile, we can look forward to Fred solving our attacking problems!

Pete #82, I'll take your word for it. But if I'd been interested in 5-day tests, I'd have gone to medical school like my mom wanted. You and Rob should give up on me. I'm a lost cause.

The one player at Fulham I would love is to sign is Antonee Robinson – arguably the best left-back in the Premier League. A previous Everton player I think he would welcome a return to us.

The fanbase can think what they want. This club have signed some right sick notes. Notably Delph, Gbamin, Bolasie… fecking Dele Alli. We don't need another one.

He did his cruciate!!