AliousThe January transfer window has opened, offering Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, a chance to make their first significant impact on the club.
Sean Dyche is eager for reinforcements as his side battles to climb out of the lower reaches of the Premier League table, with only a slim buffer above the relegation zone following a recent defeat.
While efforts are already underway to strengthen the squad—such as the bid for Norwich City midfielder Marcelino Núñez—Everton could be heading toward an awkward situation with one of their transfer targets.
Kevin Danso Linked with Everton Move
In addition to targeting a midfielder and a forward, Everton are reportedly exploring defensive options to bolster their backline.
Among the potential recruits is Kevin Danso, a 26-year-old Austrian center-back currently playing for RC Lens in Ligue 1.
Journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter has named Everton as one of the clubs interested in Danso, alongside Wolves, who are also considering offering the former Southampton defender a route back to the Premier League.
Danso has been a standout performer for Lens since joining the French side in 2021, following stints in the Bundesliga with Augsburg and in England with Southampton.
However, with the defender’s future in France looking uncertain, a move this January could be on the cards.
A Tense Reunion on the Horizon?
If Everton were to secure Danso’s signature, it could lead to an awkward reunion between the player and The Friedkin Group.
Danso had previously been on the verge of a move to AS Roma—owned by The Friedkin Group—during the summer of 2024, only for the deal to collapse due to a failed medical.
The decision not to finalize the transfer led to public criticism from Danso, who questioned the thoroughness and validity of Roma’s medical examinations. Speaking to *L’Équipe* in November 2024, Danso expressed his frustration:
*”I’d never experienced anything like that before, especially after passing all kinds of medical tests in England.
I was told that Italy’s assessments were stricter, but I knew I was fine physically. Maybe my transfer fell through for another reason. It had become so complicated, I even had to undergo more tests to confirm I was fit to play.”*
Everton’s Opportunity to Move Forward
Despite the potential tension stemming from this history, a move to Everton could offer both Danso and The Friedkin Group a fresh start.
Danso’s physicality and defensive capabilities would provide Everton with much-needed solidity at the back, while The Friedkin Group could demonstrate their commitment to the club’s success by facilitating high-quality transfers, even with players they’ve had contentious dealings with in the past.
As Everton looks to escape the threat of relegation, the addition of a proven talent like Danso might be exactly what they need.
However, how the relationship between Danso and Everton’s new owners unfolds could be just as intriguing as the transfer itself.
Alious
