Fabrizio Romano: Everton strike ‘verbal agreement’ as ‘three-year deal in place’ for main target
Here is a rephrased version of the article, maintaining its original meaning but using fresh and professional wording:
Everton Reach Agreement to Sign Top Target Kenny Tete
Everton have secured a deal to sign a player who has become their primary transfer target, as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of a landmark season.
With the club set to move into the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, Everton are keen to bolster their lineup under manager David Moyes, who returned to Goodison Park last season after the dismissal of Sean Dyche.
Moyes successfully steered the Toffees clear of the relegation battle, allowing the team to finish the campaign with confidence and bid farewell to their historic home on a high note.
The Premier League season will kick off this August with Brighton & Hove Albion visiting the new stadium.
Moyes hopes to have the majority of his summer signings completed by then, as he looks to build a squad capable of pushing into the top half of the table.
Kenny Tete Set to Join Everton on Free Transfer
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton have reached a verbal agreement to sign Fulham right-back Kenny Tete. The 28-year-old is set to join on a free transfer with a three-year contract agreed, running until June 2028.
Romano posted on X: “Everton have reached verbal agreement to sign Kenny Tete as free agent, three year deal in place. Contract until June 2028 and formal steps to follow next week. Here we go, soon.”
While Manchester City’s Kyle Walker had been previously linked with a move to Merseyside, reports from BBC Sport indicate that Tete emerged as Everton’s primary right-back target.
Alternatives such as Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters and Vladimir Coufal — who worked with Moyes at West Ham — were also considered, but Tete is now set to fill the role left vacant by Ashley Young.
Fulham had been negotiating a new contract with Tete, and as recently as April, BBC Sport reported that both sides were hopeful of reaching an agreement, though the possibility of a late move from another club remained. Tottenham were also reportedly monitoring the situation.
Marco Silva on Tete’s Contract Talks
Last month, Fulham manager Marco Silva addressed ongoing discussions with Tete and midfielder Tom Cairney, stating:
“Between the football club, Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney, there have been discussions and conversations with their representatives. Let’s hope we can have good news soon.”
Despite Fulham’s efforts, it now appears Everton have won the race for Tete’s signature.
The Dutch international, who has been capped 14 times, began his career at Ajax, making his senior debut in 2013.
He spent four years at the Eredivisie club before moving to Lyon in France, where he stayed for three seasons before joining Fulham.
Tete played a key role in Fulham’s 2021–22 Championship-winning campaign, helping the team return to the Premier League.
