Everton have identified Manchester City’s Rico Lewis as their prime target to fill the void left by Seamus Coleman, with the Toffees ready to table a £30m bid for the 21-year-old defender. League standing: 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL.
Who is Everton’s top full-back option?
Everton are scrambling to replace Coleman and hedge against Nathan Patterson’s uncertain future, with the Scotland international’s Merseyside future now in doubt. Goals this season: 47 scored, 50 conceded (-3 goal difference. The Toffees have already splashed £55m on Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George, plus Hayden Hackney, but Moyes still needs defensive cover. Tottenham’s Djed Spence was once the favourite, but Inter Milan and now Lewis have entered the frame after his City future faded under Enzo Maresca.
Lewis, 21, has battled injuries for a year and lost his Etihad starting spot to Matheus Nunes. City have no urgency to sell-his contract runs until 2030-but Everton believe a strong opening offer could force their hand. The Toffees are banking on a quick deal to avoid a longer chase, with the World Cup aftermath freeing up transfer windows.
Why Lewis fits Everton’s needs
Lewis’s versatility as a right-back or midfielder adds depth where Everton are thin. Title race: 36 points behind leaders Arsenal. Patterson’s potential exit leaves a gap on the right, while Coleman’s departure after 17 years at the club created a leadership hole in defence. Moyes’ side conceded 50 goals last season and sit 13th, so defensive upgrades are non-negotiable.
Inter Milan are also circling, but Everton’s £30m bid-higher than rivals-could sway Maresca. The Toffees’ recent form (recent form (last 5): 0W-2D-3L (LLLDD, most recent first)) demands urgency, with their next fixture against Bolton on July 25 looming.
What happens next?
Everton’s bid must land fast. City’s patience is thin, but Lewis’s injury record makes him a risk. If the deal stalls, Moyes may pivot to Spence or a surprise name. Last result: Tottenham 1-0 Everton (2026-05-24). The Toffees can’t afford another summer of patching holes, with their defensive frailties exposed in their last five games without a win.
