08/07/2026
Everton’s need for a right-back has become a ludicrously long transfer saga that must find its conclusion this summer.
Jake O’Brien’s continued use in the role has been a topic of discussion, limiting Everton going forward and denying the Irishman the chance to partner Jarrad Branthwaite in what should be the club’s long-term axis at centre-back.
The Athletic’s latest instalment of the Transfer Deal Sheet has named a group of players who all reportedly feature on Everton’s summer shortlist.
Djed Spence – Tottenham Hotspur
Spence could be squeezed out at Spurs following the club’s ambitious summer recruitment.
Though right-footed, the 25-year-old played the bulk of his minutes at left-back for Spurs last season, but the arrival of Andy Robertson has increased competition for a place.
After making the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, Spence could be tempted by regular first-team football, with Pedro Porro and Robertson likely to be first-choice in North London.
His homegrown status and ability to deputise on either flank appeal, while Spence is an excellent ball-carrier. He ranked second among Premier League full-backs for progressive carries per 90 last season and seventh for successful dribbles. However, Spence is limited in terms of attacking output. He failed to record a goal or assist in 2025/26 and ranked 40th among the league’s full-backs for key passes per game.
Ben White – Arsenal
Ben White could be a casualty of Arsenal’s need to raise funds for summer recruitment, with the right-back having fallen behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order at the Emirates. With Cristhian Mosquera offering another centre-back/right-back profile that Mikel Arteta prefers at full-back, White could move on.
White’s stock has fallen over the last two seasons, but if Everton could get the 28-year-old back to the levels he showed in 2022/23 and 2023/24, he’d be a real asset. White scored six goals and added nine assists over those two league campaigns for the Gunners.
Guela Doué – Strasbourg
Perhaps the preferred candidate among many Evertonians. Doué cemented his reputation as one of Ligue 1’s leading full-backs last season, with eye-catching numbers at both ends of the pitch. He scored twice and laid on six assists, while ranking among the top-performing full-backs in France for aerial duels won (1st), completed forward passes (2nd), duels won (3rd), cross accuracy (3rd), interceptions (5th), and possession won (5th).
The issue appears to be the price tag. The Athletic report that Strasbourg’s valuation of Doué could be too much for the Toffees, with rumours of a £40m asking price.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – West Ham
Everton were linked with an approach for Aaron Wan-Bissaka earlier in the summer, following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League.
However, the Hammers are yet to receive ‘any enquiries’ for the 28-year-old. West Ham want £25m for Wan-Bissaka, who is contracted until 2021.
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