Everton target £40m-rated defender but may need sales to fund move | OneFootball

Everton Eye Belgian Defensive Talent But Face £40m Price Tag

Everton’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be pivotal, with David Moyes keen to reinforce his squad and ensure the club steers clear of another relegation battle. According to Football Insider, the Toffees have set their sights on Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, but his price tag of £40m could prove to be a stumbling block.

Photo IMAGO

As Everton navigate financial challenges, their ability to fund this move may depend on making a high-profile sale first.

Moyes Prioritising Defensive Reinforcements

With Michael Keane’s contract expiring, Everton are actively exploring defensive reinforcements. Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast revealed that the club will be in the market for a centre-back, and Ordonez’s profile fits the bill.

Photo IMAGO

The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has impressed in Belgium’s top flight and the Champions League, showcasing his composure and ability to read the game at a high level. His age and potential resale value make him an appealing prospect, aligning with Moyes’ vision of signing young, developing talents.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Club Brugge’s £40m valuation presents a challenge, with sources suggesting Everton may struggle to meet the asking price without significant departures.

Everton May Need to Sell Before They Buy

Despite backing from The Friedkin Group, Everton’s spending power remains limited. While funds will be made available for summer signings, it is unlikely that Moyes will be handed £40m for a single player unless the club generates revenue through sales.

One potential avenue is Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park. The England international is attracting interest from Premier League and European clubs, and his departure could free up funds for Everton to pursue Ordonez.

Photo IMAGO

Everton’s Transfer Strategy Beyond Ordonez

Moyes is not only focused on defensive signings but is also targeting emerging talents from the Championship. Football Insider reports that Everton are already making moves to sign West Brom winger Tom Fellows, underlining the club’s strategy of developing young players with long-term potential.

Photo: IMAGO

The club is expected to continue scouting the Championship for value signings who can develop into future stars, mirroring Moyes’ past recruitment successes.

Ordonez remains a priority, but whether Everton can strike a deal will largely depend on how much flexibility they have in the market.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Over the years, Everton have struggled with recruitment, often signing aging players on high wages rather than investing in young, promising talent.

A move for Ordonez would be a statement of intent, signalling that Moyes is building for the future rather than short-term survival. His performances in Belgium and the Champions League have already put him on the radar of top clubs, and if Everton can secure his signature, they could land a top-class centre-back for years to come.

Of course, the £40m price tag is significant, and Everton fans know all too well that financial constraints could force the club to sell before making such a move. The thought of losing Jarrad Branthwaite to fund the transfer is a difficult one, but if the long-term vision is to bring in multiple young, high-potential players, it could be a necessary sacrifice.

Ultimately, Everton fans will be hoping that The Friedkin Group backs Moyes sufficiently to strengthen the squad without the need to offload key players. If the club can balance the books while securing top talents like Ordonez, Everton’s future could look far brighter than in recent seasons.