Everton are in the thick of their pre-season preparations, and David Moyes is looking to recapture the form that allowed him to make such an impressive (second) start to life as the Toffees boss.
The exodus on the blue half of Merseyside was needed at the end of the 2024/25 season, even though Everton rallied and leapt away from the relegation zone in the half-season with Moyes in charge, finishing 13th in the Premier League.
More is needed, but the seeds have been planted. The Blues have welcomed Thierno Barry to the fold for a £27m fee, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin at centre-forward.
But Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom were both carried away in the stream of summer exits, loan spells wrapped up. Both flattered to deceive last season, but now a right-sided forward is needed.
Everton searching for new winger
Everton have been locked in talks with French club Lyon for their talented winger Malick Fofana in recent days, and though a breakthrough is close, the Belgian is holding out for a suitor with the allure of Champions League football.
But the 20-year-old would have the chance to nail down a starting berth at Everton, fostering his dynamic attacking qualities over the next few years.
Should the Friedkin Group’s effort prove fruitless, however, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton have made an enquiry to Real Sociedad for Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause.
The 24-year-old principally plays down the right wing, and so would be an ideal positional fit for Moyes’ side.
What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Everton
Kubo has 41 goal contributions for Real Sociedad across 137 appearances, having played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s youth academies.
He’s a talented man, endowed with ferocious athletic skills and charged with a tenacity which once led Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani to say this: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Constantly in attack mode.”
While Kubo might not be the most prolific winger on the block, he ranked among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in La Liga last season for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
Fofana is also a high-speed runner with a burgeoning sharpness in the final third, but Kubo may well have a bit more about him, a bit more completeness.
Matches (starts)
36 (27)
29 (16)
Goals
5
5
Assists
0
4
Shots taken*
1.2 (0.4)
1.1 (0.5)
Big chances missed
2
4
Pass completion
77%
84%
Big chances created
9
6
Key passes*
1.3
0.9
Ball recoveries*
3.3
2.2
Tackles + interceptions*
1.4
1.1
Dribbles*
2.1
0.8
Total duels (won)*
5.3 (52%)
2.9 (50%)
Sure, Kubo didn’t register an assist in La Liga last season, but his creative numbers bespeak his playmaking ability. Moreover, he dribbles forward with far more consistency than the electric Fofana, who has already garnered a reputation for his ball-carrying ability.
He’s also far more active in the duel, something that would please Moyes as he constructs a balanced and hard-working outfit, capable across the different phases of play.
If Fofana proves unattainable this summer, Everton must push ahead for Kubo. He might even prove the better pick.
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