Everton’s right-back problem is an open secret in the Premier League. So much so that even Prime Minister and Toffees fan Andy Burnham has joked about it.
As far as those on Merseyside are concerned, however, those jokes are becoming less and less humorous the longer that they remain without a replacement for Seamus Coleman.
With less than a month to go, the transfer window has threatened to slam shut before Everton can welcome a right-back, but the emergence of Hector Fort may have arrived just in time.
The 20-year-old defender looks to be heading for the exit door at Barcelona and there aren’t many better ways to solve a problem than by welcoming a La Masia graduate.
Everton’s potential defence 26/27 | Position | Role / Strengths | 2026/27 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Jarrad Branthwaite | CB | Dominant centre-back; strong aerially, physically imposing and composed in duels | First-choice |
James Tarkowski | CB | Experienced leader; excellent organiser, aerial presence and defensive positioning | First-choice |
Jake O’Brien | CB / RB | Versatile defender; physical, athletic and capable of covering right-back | Squad option |
Vitaliy Mykolenko | LB | Reliable left-back; strong defensively and experienced in the Premier League | First-choice |
Nathan Patterson | RB | Natural right-back with pace and attacking potential | Squad option |
Héctor Fort | RB / LB | Technically comfortable, versatile and capable of playing on either flank | Potential signing |
Aaron Aznou | LB | Young, attack-minded full-back who can provide competition on the left | Squad/development option |
The young defender spent last season on loan at Elche, where he was involved in four league goals. Whilst he is still a player waiting to hit his top potential, there’s no doubt that he has the ceiling to become Everton’s long-term heir for Coleman.
What stands out most about Fort is his ability in possession. At Elche last season, he completed 1.49 dribbles per game and, importantly, maintained a 57% success rate for long passes.
That means when Thierno Barry finds himself in behind or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall runs from deep, the young right-back has the ability to pick them out.
His work going forward doesn’t come at a cost for defensive work, either. Fort won five duels and just over two tackles per 90 last season. Whilst those numbers are not spectacular, they are not a cause for concern.
Everton lead Liverpool in Hector Fort race
As reported by TeamTalk, Everton have now leapfrogged Liverpool to sign Fort from Barcelona. The Catalan giants have green-lit the defender’s exit and he looks to be heading for the exit door at the Nou Camp. The Toffees, alongside Fulham, are keen to secure Fort’s arrival and could get one over on their Merseyside rivals, who hold long-term interest in the 20-year-old.
What should help any potential deal is that Barcelona are now open to a permanent sale and the player himself is keen to leave in search of more regular playing time.
Dubbed “extremely talented” by scout Antonio Mango, Fort is quickly becoming one to watch as Premier League clubs do battle for his signature. Whether that battle ends with a move to Merseyside remains to be seen, however.
Everton agree swap deal to sign Brennan Johnson
It’s not just a right-back that could be on the way at Everton. They’ve now agreed a swap deal to sign Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace. The move will see Dwight McNeil head in the opposite direction, as both parties get what they were seeking.
Johnson’s spell at Crystal Palace will go down as one to forget, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was starring for Nottingham Forest and he still did enough to warrant a club-record fee from the Eagles in January.
If Everton can get the best out of their new winger, then he could transform their frontline.
