Godwin ObajeExclusive: Why Kenny Tete Chose Everton After Fulham Exit
Everton are closing in on their second signing of the summer, with experienced right-back Kenny Tete poised to join the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Fulham.
The 29-year-old Dutchman has opted for a fresh challenge at Goodison Park after four years at Craven Cottage, where he became a consistent Premier League performer and a fan favourite for his defensive tenacity and positional intelligence.
Tete’s decision to leave Fulham had long been anticipated behind the scenes, but it is Everton’s project under new sporting leadership that proved decisive. The Dutch international is understood to have been impressed by the direction Everton are taking — both on and off the pitch — as the club continues to rebuild under Sean Dyche following a period of instability.
A source close to the player told Everton News: “Kenny had offers from clubs in Europe, and even a couple in the Premier League, but Everton presented him with a role where he would be a key figure in a team that’s building something sustainable. He’s excited about the challenge.”
Everton have been keen to bolster their defence this summer, particularly at right-back, where depth and experience are required. Tete, who has 16 caps for the Netherlands, brings proven top-flight pedigree and has already amassed over 100 Premier League appearances. His availability on a free transfer made him an attractive proposition amid the Toffees’ tighter financial constraints.
Fulham were open to keeping Tete, but talks over a new contract stalled earlier this year, with the player weighing up his options. In the end, the lure of a fresh start in Merseyside proved too strong.
An Everton club insider said: “Kenny is the type of character Sean [Dyche] wants in the dressing room — mature, driven, professional. He can help raise standards and bring a winning mentality. The deal fits the strategy of smart recruitment this summer.”
The move is also expected to offer Tete a clearer path to regular football, with Everton looking to phase out older options and create competition across the backline. With Seamus Coleman entering the final stages of his career and Nathan Patterson still developing, Tete’s arrival offers balance, leadership, and immediate impact.
Tete, who started his career at Ajax before moving to Lyon and then Fulham in 2020, is expected to undergo a medical later this week before being officially unveiled as an Everton player. He will sign a multi-year contract and could be involved from the outset when pre-season begins next month.
The signing follows Everton’s acquisition of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and signals a clear intention to add experienced, athletic players capable of fitting seamlessly into Dyche’s disciplined system.
With more incomings expected at Goodison Park, particularly in attack and central defence, Tete’s arrival could mark the beginning of a calculated rebuild — one built less on big fees and more on reliable performers like the former Fulham man.
Godwin Obaje
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