Godwin ObajeEverton’s Pursuit of Lionel Messi Favourite Hits a Major Snag
Everton’s hopes of strengthening their back line ahead of the 2025/26 campaign have taken a significant hit, as their pursuit of free agent Nicolas Tagliafico looks to have stalled — potentially for good.
David Moyes has made no secret of his desire to bolster the Everton squad following the arrival of striker Thierno Barry. While the Frenchman’s signing has injected a degree of excitement into the fanbase, particularly around the No. 9 role, the club’s struggles in defence remain a pressing concern.
Everton currently have just two recognised full-backs in Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko. Seamus Coleman’s one-year contract extension, which keeps him at the club for a remarkable 17th season, suggests he will primarily continue in a coaching capacity, though he could still be called upon in emergencies.
With Jake O’Brien expected to operate as a central defender rather than a makeshift full-back this season, Everton’s need for reinforcement in wide defensive areas is growing increasingly urgent.
That’s why the club had turned its attention to 32-year-old Nicolas Tagliafico, a player admired for both his defensive reliability and attacking threat from set pieces. A favourite of Lionel Messi, Tagliafico is available on a free transfer after leaving Lyon at the end of his contract.
However, reports from Spanish outlet La Voz de Asturias now suggest the move may be off the table. The Argentine international has reportedly turned down an offer from La Liga outfit Real Oviedo — but not due to location or financial concerns. Instead, the player is said to be prioritising clubs that can offer European football — something Everton simply cannot guarantee.
This clause in Tagliafico’s criteria represents a major stumbling block. While a move to Goodison Park may have been ideal from a footballing standpoint — reuniting Tagliafico with Premier League competition and handing Moyes a key weapon in both defence and attack — it now appears increasingly unlikely.
The situation leaves Everton’s recruitment team under pressure. A proposed move for Fulham’s Kenny Tete previously collapsed, and now with Tagliafico seemingly out of reach, the club’s search for a full-back continues with urgency but limited options.
Despite the uncertainty, Everton supporters are hopeful that The Friedkin Group’s ambition and Moyes’ experience can still deliver before the team’s pre-season opener against Accrington Stanley on July 15.
Tagliafico’s quality is not in doubt — as Ajax’s official account once posted:
“No Nico, no party ↘️↘️ #CelebrationsOf2019” —
a reminder of his impact during the Dutch club’s memorable European campaign.
But if European competition is the dealbreaker, as the latest reports suggest, Everton’s chances of landing the Argentina international appear slim.
With less than a week until pre-season kicks off, the question remains: will Everton be able to find the right profile to fill a position that could define their season?
Godwin Obaje
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