“Carlo Ancelotti Struggled to Bring Him to Everton But Failed, Now Moyes is Set to Get the Job Done” – Carlo Ancelotti wanted him at Everton for £22.4m, now David Moyes can finally land player for £0

Everton Eye Free Transfer Swoop for Tagliafico as Moyes Targets Experience on a Budget

David Moyes may be working within tight financial parameters at Everton this summer, but the experienced Scot could finally land a long-standing transfer target – and without paying a fee.

As the Friedkin Group prepare for their first summer window in charge at Goodison Park, the emphasis remains on smart, cost-effective recruitment. Despite early suggestions of a solid budget, constraints imposed by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) mean the club may have as little as £50 million to spend. With key outgoings yet to be finalised – Jarrad Branthwaite remains the only player likely to command a significant fee – Moyes will be forced to hunt value in the free-agent market.

One name already catching attention is Nicolás Tagliafico. The Lyon and Argentina international left-back is set to become a free agent at the end of June, and journalist Ben Jacobs reports that “Lyon are still trying to persuade Tagliafico to extend, but an exit is looking increasingly likely with current interest from England.”

That interest is believed to include Everton, who have a historical admiration for the 32-year-old. Carlo Ancelotti famously attempted to sign Tagliafico during his own spell at Goodison in 2020, with French outlet Le10Sport claiming a £22.4 million fee was discussed with Ajax.

The left-back’s pedigree is undeniable. A key member of Erik ten Hag’s Ajax side that reached the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, Tagliafico brings technical quality, defensive discipline and leadership – all traits that Moyes will value in rebuilding a squad that lost its way under former manager Sean Dyche.

A UEFA Champions League clip shared during Ajax’s memorable run showcased the Argentine combining with Donny van de Beek and Dušan Tadić to devastating effect. UEFA captioned the footage: “Nicolás Tagliafico, Donny van de Beek & Dušan Tadić combine for this move 🔥🔥🔥”

Since leaving Ajax, Tagliafico has enjoyed a productive spell with Lyon, making over 80 appearances and maintaining the high standards that first caught Everton’s eye five years ago. Yet, with his contract winding down and Lyon seemingly unable to guarantee a renewal, a summer move to England now looks increasingly likely.

Everton currently rely on Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back, but the Ukrainian has struggled with consistency and injuries, prompting Moyes to seek genuine competition in that area. Tagliafico, with his blend of experience and proven quality, offers an ideal solution – particularly on a free.

This is a deal that ticks several boxes: Premier League-ready, no transfer fee, and a player long admired by both Moyes and his high-profile predecessor. If the Toffees can fend off rival interest from within England, this could prove to be one of the most astute pieces of business of the window.

As Jacobs noted: “One to watch in the next two weeks.” Indeed, Tagliafico’s future could offer an early insight into the new Everton regime’s approach to smart recruitment.