TWIST DESPITE AGREEMENT: Fabrizio CONFIRMS Major Transfer Twist for Everton as Unexpected Deal SHOCKS Toffees

Everton Face Transfer Twist in Kenny Tete Pursuit Amid Fulham Counter Offer

Everton’s summer transfer plans have been thrown into fresh uncertainty following reports that Fulham are attempting a late move to retain right-back Kenny Tete, despite a verbal agreement said to be in place with the Toffees.

Tete, 28, became a free agent this month after allowing his contract at Craven Cottage to expire following a five-year spell with the West London club. The Netherlands international, who made 119 appearances and played a key role in Fulham’s promotion and Premier League consolidation, has emerged as a serious target for Everton in their ongoing squad rebuild.

It was reported last week that the defender had verbally agreed to join Everton on a three-year contract, with the Merseyside club preparing for a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. However, renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed a major twist in the saga, claiming that Fulham have responded by tabling a significantly improved offer to keep Tete in West London.

Romano posted on X:

“Fulham have sent today new improved contract proposal to Kenny Tete after he verbally agreed to join Everton earlier this week. Both Fulham and Everton have proposals on the table now for the right back who’s available as free agent.”

The development places Everton in a delicate position as manager David Moyes looks to reshape his defence. The club is short on natural right-back options following the departure of veteran Ashley Young, who rejected a new contract, and the uncertain future of club captain Seamus Coleman, who is yet to commit to another year at Goodison Park.

Nathan Patterson remains under contract but has struggled for consistency and fitness since his £12 million switch from Rangers in January 2021. Meanwhile, Moyes has been forced to improvise, notably using Jake O’Brien—primarily a centre-back—as a makeshift right-back in the second half of last season.

Tete had appeared to be a logical addition to the squad, offering both top-flight experience and tactical flexibility. But Fulham’s renewed interest underlines his value, and the player now faces a significant decision between remaining at a club he knows well or embracing a fresh challenge under Moyes’ stewardship.

The Blues have also been linked with a series of alternative right-back options. Among them is Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, who is not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans for the Club World Cup and recently returned from a loan spell at AC Milan. Former Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters—now a free agent after Saints’ relegation—and West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal, a familiar face from Moyes’ time at the London Stadium, are also under consideration.

Everton’s recruitment strategy this summer reflects the wider need for stability and experience in key positions. Tete, available without a transfer fee, would be a cost-effective and seasoned addition. But with Fulham refusing to let go quietly, the battle for his signature is far from over.