adminEverton Close in on Kenny Tete Deal as First Summer Signing Under Friedkin Era
In what could mark the beginning of a new chapter at Goodison Park, Everton are on the verge of completing a deal for Dutch right-back Kenny Tete. The Fulham defender is expected to become the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window, and his arrival is being seen as both practical and symbolic of the Toffees’ efforts to strengthen the squad under the ownership of The Friedkin Group (TFG).
Tete, whose contract with Fulham expires at the end of June, is set to move to Merseyside as a free agent. A former Ajax academy product, the 28-year-old brings a wealth of top-flight experience, both from the Premier League and European competitions, making him a valuable addition to Sean Dyche’s squad.
Strategic Signing Amid Changing Backline
The impending acquisition of Tete comes at a pivotal time for Everton. With veteran defender Ashley Young departing the club, and long-time servant Seamus Coleman possibly transitioning into a coaching role, Dyche is left with a shortage of options at right-back. Tete’s signing is designed to immediately fill that gap and provide both solidity and leadership in the back line.
Although The Friedkin Group has pledged to invest in high-profile names as part of their ambitious blueprint to elevate Everton back to the upper echelons of English football, there is still a pressing need for astute, financially responsible acquisitions. Signing Tete on a free transfer fits that bill — a low-risk, high-experience addition that aligns with current strategic goals.
Verbal Agreement Reached – Deal Structure Revealed
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed on June 22 that Everton have reached a verbal agreement with Kenny Tete. According to Romano, the full-back is expected to sign a three-year contract until June 2028, with final formalities and a medical examination expected to be completed within the following week.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, former Everton scout Bryan King added further detail about the financial terms of the deal. While there is no transfer fee involved — as Tete is a free agent — King estimates the total package will cost Everton around £20 million over the length of the contract.
“Everton don’t need to pay a fee for this player,” King explained.
“Therefore, if he is signing a three-year contract, I think the total package could cost Everton about £20m, if we’re including signing-on fees.
He’s going to be on about £5m-per-season I would have thought. However, this is important, as full back is an area that Everton need to strengthen in.”
This suggests that the club is preparing to absorb the full cost of the deal in wages, agent commissions, and signing bonuses, making it a notable outlay despite the absence of a transfer fee.
A Look at Tete’s Recent Form and Role
Kenny Tete has been a consistent performer under Marco Silva at Fulham, starting 21 of the 24 games he was available for during the most recent Premier League campaign. A strong defender with positional intelligence and solid one-on-one skills, Tete has built a reputation as a dependable and versatile full-back who can also slot in as part of a back three.
His move to Everton is expected to bring not just depth but also much-needed balance to Dyche’s defensive setup. With Nathan Patterson still developing and Coleman potentially stepping away from playing duties, Tete’s experience will likely make him the automatic first-choice right-back.
Moreover, his Champions League experience with Lyon, along with an Eredivisie title from his Ajax days, will be an asset in Everton’s locker room — particularly as the club seeks to rebuild a competitive and mentally tough squad.
Fan Reactions: Divided But Cautiously Hopeful
The news of Tete’s signing has stirred mixed reactions among the Everton faithful. On one hand, supporters appreciate the logic behind bringing in an experienced Premier League defender on a free transfer — especially in a position that urgently needed reinforcement. On the other hand, some fans feel underwhelmed, given the ambitious language used by TFG since taking control of the club.
Many fans had hoped for “statement” signings, such as strikers like Thierno Barry or Aleksandar Mitrović, to elevate the club’s attacking threat. As such, some view the Tete deal as yet another “safe” transfer, reminiscent of previous regimes.
Still, there’s recognition that Everton’s financial position requires careful maneuvering. The club has narrowly avoided point deductions in the past due to Financial Fair Play regulations and is still dealing with significant off-field restructuring. In this context, a free agent with Premier League pedigree makes sense.
A Measured Start to a Defining Summer
As the first expected signing of the summer, Kenny Tete could be viewed as a foundational piece rather than a headline grabber. Everton are not just assembling a team — they are rebuilding a culture and stabilizing a footballing philosophy.
If Tete’s move is finalized as anticipated, it will set the tone for the rest of Everton’s transfer activity. The club is expected to bring in more names, possibly with a mix of youth prospects, creative midfielders, and another proven striker.
For now, Tete represents a smart, calculated addition to a club aiming to rise from a turbulent period. Whether his signing is enough to satisfy the demands of a passionate fan base will depend on what — and who — comes next.
✅ Final Thought
In a transfer window that promises to be crucial for Everton’s ambitions and identity under new ownership, Kenny Tete’s arrival may not be flashy, but it’s functional. With his combination of experience, leadership, and affordability, he brings exactly the kind of reliability Sean Dyche needs in his defense.
And with formal steps expected to follow soon, Everton fans may want to start getting familiar with their likely first summer recruit — a Dutchman ready to anchor the right flank at Goodison Park.
Godwin Obaje
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