Ainsley Maitland-Niles has said he has signed for Everton to win something and is confident the squad can achieve success.
Maitland-Niles arrived from Lyon for a fee in the region of £4m on deadline day, with the versatile defender offering a solution to the problem right-back role.
The 29-year-old returns to the Premier League after three seasons in France and said he wants to become part of the club's 'history' by ending the trophy drought.
“I’m happy it’s finally done. I’m happy to be here and get cracking. It’s been a long time coming," he told evertonfc.com.
“It’s a huge club historically – they’ve won a lot – and I want to be a part of the history and win something.
“I want to get cracking as soon as possible and show my talents on the pitch. I want to be the best player I can be, try to win more trophies, and make my teammates around me better.
“It’s a new chapter [at Everton] and it can bring great things. Honestly, if we just put our heels down on the floor and really go for it, it could be something special.
“The squad, the players, the ability we have here, we can – for sure – bring something special.”
Maitland-Niles is expected to feature predominantly at right-back for the Blues, but has experience at left-back and in central midfield. He believes his versatility can be valuable and outlined what the fans can expect from him as a full-back.
“Defensive duties first, trying to stop crosses and goals happening. I’d say some forward runs, assists, goals and hopefully a lot of energy down that right side.
"I feel I have more of an understanding of the game, knowing I can play in other positions. I understand what my midfielders need from me. Full-backs, centre-backs and wingers as well.”
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Reader Comments (3)
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2 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:53:27
3 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:56:55
I guess the first step is to pass the low bar that is being better than Patterson
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1 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:50:03