{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":[],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
Done Deal Imminent”- Everton Near First David Moyes Signing as £17m Agreement Reached Between Clubs
Everton are reportedly on the brink of making their first signing of the January transfer window.
The Toffees have agreed a deal with Olympique Lyonnais for the transfer of Ernest Nuamah, reportedly worth around £17 million, according to French sources. Despite the managerial change with David Moyes replacing the sacked Sean Dyche last weekend, Everton have yet to make a signing this month.
Lyon’s owner, John Textor, recently acknowledged that the French club is open to selling players in January due to financial difficulties. The club has been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 by the French financial watchdog, Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion, due to their mounting debts, though they can avoid relegation if they improve their financial situation.
According to RMC Sport, an agreement has been reached between Lyon and Everton for Nuamah, and the only remaining step is for the player to finalize personal terms with the club. However, this is not expected to be an issue, with all parties reportedly confident in finalizing the transfer.
Nuamah to Strengthen Everton’s Attack
Everton has struggled in front of goal this season, scoring just 15 goals in 20 Premier League matches—only bottom-placed Southampton has a worse record with 13 goals in 21 games. Nuamah, 21, developed through the academy at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, where he scored 20 goals and provided five assists in 49 appearances before moving in the summer of 2023.
He joined Belgian side RWD Molenbeek but was immediately loaned to Lyon, as both clubs are owned by Textor. Lyon then made his move permanent for a reported £24 million, though they are set to make a loss on the player. So far, he has made 51 appearances for Lyon, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Fulham had shown interest in him over the summer, with a deal in place and a medical completed, but the player ultimately chose not to move.
Everton’s Struggles Continue
Moyes’ return to Goodison Park began with a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Wednesday night. However, all the teams below Everton in the table also suffered defeats midweek, with Wolves losing to Newcastle and Southampton falling to Manchester United. Leicester City and Ipswich Town also lost at home to Crystal Palace and Brighton, respectively.
Everton defender James Tarkowski found some positives from the midweek performance, particularly as they prepare to face a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side on Sunday. He reflected, “I thought it was a competitive game against a very good side. I’ve seen them dominate possession against other teams, but we were pretty even in that regard. We felt like we had a bit more control than usual and created a few chances—we just didn’t finish them, while they did.”
Tarkowski continued, “I think we need more quality on the ball. You could see a few times tonight where we struggled with that, and it’s not just one individual—it’s a team issue. We lack that quality to keep the ball in tight areas and work it out like good teams, like Villa, do. That needs to improve, and confidence plays a part too—we haven’t won many games, so that could be a reason.”
