da bet7： Everton are set to lose a few of David Moyes’ defensive options at the end of the season.

da leao： The Toffees have three defenders out of contract, all of whom have had an important role within the club under the Scot.

One of those is Seamus Coleman, who, although 37 years of age and lesser spotted on the pitch, is the club captain and a legend. The other two losses would be more significant in terms of their matchday contribution, with Vitaly Mykolenko and Michael Keane two players also out of contract in a matter of months.

Perhaps as a result, the Toffees should look at strengthening their defence this winter.

Everton eye up new defender

It will be interesting to see how Moyes’ side deal with these potential losses this summer, though it might not be that simple.

They also have to think ahead to the next summer, where James Garner, who has been filling in at right-back this term, could leave for free.

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To counteract these potential departures, the Toffees are reportedly looking at a new right-back this winter as they strengthen the defence.

According to a report from Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, they are ‘monitoring’ Genoa and England U21 star Brooke Norton-Cuffy if they do make a move.

The London-born right-back is one of the options the Toffees are said to be considering, but this will not be a cheap deal to do. A separate report suggests Norton-Cuffy could cost upwards of £26m, with Serie A giants Inter also interested in the defender.

Why Norton-Cuffy would be a good signing

21-year-old Norton-Cuffy started his career at Arsenal but was never able to break into the first team at the Emirates Stadium. After various loan spells in the EFL, he’s found a home for himself in Serie A with Genoa.

It has been an impressive debut season in the Italian top flight for the ex-Hale End star. He’s played 18 league games in 2025/26, completing 90 minutes on all but one of those occasions, and chipping in with one goal and one assist.

Norton-Cuffy also played a key role in England U21s successful European Championship campaign over the summer. He played an hour in the final against Germany and helped see Lee Carsley’s side over the line as they won the tournament back-to-back.

One of the biggest strengths of the former Arsenal academy star’s game is his ball carrying. It was a trait described as “insane” by football scout Ben Mattinson, and it is easy to see why. This season, he averaged 1.35 completed take-ons per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 9% of Serie A full-backs.

Norton-Cuffy carrying stats 25/26 Serie A

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Take-ons attempted

2.56

86th

Take-ons completed

1.35

91st

Take-on success rate

52.2%

91st

Progressive carries

2.47

74th

Carries into penalty box

0.56

71st

Stats from FBref

One of the benefits of signing Norton-Cuffy this winter would be the fact that it allows Moyes more variety in his squad.

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Too often in an Everton shirt, Garner has operated at right-back, although he is a midfielder by trade. He’s played 17 times as a right-back or right wing-back, positions in which the England U21 star excels naturally.

However, if he were to swap Genoa for Merseyside, it would free Garner up to operate in midfield. He is a hugely talented player, with teammate James Tarkowski explaining that “he’s got everything” in his game. Passes like the one below last season show what he can do from central roles.

Signing Norton-Cuffy will add so much quality to this Everton side, bringing quality in the final third and a brilliant carrying outlet from the right. It’ll also benefit Garner and, in turn, Moyes’ squad.

There are certainly a few reasons why this signing could be huge for the Merseysiders. £26m is not the steepest fee in the current market, and Norton-Cuffy would certainly improve the standing of Everton’s squad.

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