AliousEverton Target Brighton Star on Free Transfer Amid Full-Back Shake-Up and Rival Interest
Everton are reportedly eyeing an ambitious move for Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey as they prepare for a significant squad overhaul this summer, with two key full-backs possibly heading for the exit.
Under new ownership by The Friedkin Group, David Moyes is expected to receive strong backing to rebuild his squad. With 13 players — including several loanees — approaching the end of their contracts, Everton face a major summer of transition.
Strengthening the right-back position has become a top priority. Veterans Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman are both out of contract, and there is a growing belief that Coleman could retire and transition into a coaching role at Goodison Park. Meanwhile, Nathan Patterson has failed to fully convince when given opportunities this season, underlining the need for reinforcements.
Lamptey a Prime Target as Contract Ticks Down
According to reports from AfricaFoot, 24-year-old Tariq Lamptey has emerged as a prime target for Everton. The Brighton full-back’s contract is due to expire in June, and there have been no public signs that an extension is forthcoming. His potential availability on a free transfer makes him a particularly attractive option for the Toffees, especially given the need to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
However, Everton are not alone in the race for Lamptey’s signature. Dutch giants Ajax are reportedly showing strong interest, posing a significant threat to Everton’s hopes of bringing the Ghanaian international to Merseyside.
Defensive Overhaul on the Horizon
Lamptey’s Premier League experience — 120 appearances with five goals and 11 assists — makes him an appealing candidate to step straight into the first team. Moyes’s concerns at right-back were starkly highlighted in Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, where Patterson struggled defensively, prompting urgent calls for a more reliable solution.
Lamptey’s dynamic style and attacking instincts could offer Everton a much-needed boost at full-back, though whether he chooses to remain in England or pursue a move abroad remains to be seen.
More Brighton Players on Everton’s Radar
Lamptey isn’t the only Brighton player catching Everton’s eye. Reports suggest the club is also monitoring young striker Evan Ferguson, currently impressing on loan at West Ham. TEAMtalk recently revealed that Everton are also on the hunt for a new left-back to compete with Vitaliy Mykolenko, with Leicester City’s Victor Kristiansen — who has excelled at Bologna — under serious consideration.
Additionally, bolstering the centre-back ranks is high on the agenda. Michael Keane is expected to depart, and Everton have shortlisted several replacements including Burnley’s Maxime Estève, Nottingham Forest loanee Andrew Omobamidele, and Basaksehir’s Jerome Opoku.
**Conclusion**
Everton’s summer is shaping up to be one of major change. With crucial decisions to be made across the defense and growing competition for their targets, the coming weeks could define Moyes’s first transfer window under new ownership — and perhaps the club’s immediate future in the Premier League.
Alious
