If a recent update from The Times (as cited by Liverpool Echo) is believed to be true, Everton are desperately looking for a new right-back and have identified a host of names, with Strasbourg sensation Guela Doue being one of the prime targets.
However, his £40m price tag has been labelled as a stumbling block, and the Toffees could explore other options amid rumoured interest in Djed Spence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raoul Bellanova, Ben White, Emil Holm and Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
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Everton moved home from Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium, but only managed six wins in their own backyard. David Moyes must strengthen multiple areas to improve upon last season’s 13th-placed Premier League finish, particularly down the right, having deployed centre-half Jake O’Brien as a makeshift for the majority of the campaign. 37-year-old Seamus Coleman has parted ways after more than 16 years in Merseyside. Nathan Patterson could also be on the move, after featuring only 19 times over the past two years.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 14: Guela Doue #17 of Cote d’Ivoire controls the ball against Alan Minda #14 of Ecuador during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Cote D’Ivoire and Ecuador at Philadelphia Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Blues were close to snapping up Kenny Tete last summer. But the Dutchman made a U-turn by penning a new contract at Fulham. Although O’Brien played as an unconventional, defensively solid right fullback, adding immense height and a physical profile to the flank, Moyes must bring someone who offers width and creative spark, with flair and marauding runs.
Why Doue Fits Better Than The Other Targets At Everton
Doue, currently representing the Ivory Coast in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, progressed through Rennes’ academy ranks before breaking into their senior squad. He joined Strasbourg for a fee of around €6m in the summer of 2024 and has since featured regularly for the Ligue 1 side.
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Predominantly a right-back, Doue is flexible across the backline, having demonstrated his physical intensity, strong tackling, aerial ability and ball-playing traits. His progressive ball-carrying and accurate long-range passing make him a perfect fit as a fullback, but he is also comfortable as a wide centre-back or right wing-back. Everton must attempt to lower the asking price, as he would be a better fit than Spence and Wan-Bissaka for Moyes’ defensive solidity, tactical discipline and direct, counter-attacking football.
Meanwhile, White’s profile suits his style, but the Englishman’s persistent fitness woes remain a concern. Holm joined Juventus on loan from Bologna earlier this year, but the Swedish international has not done enough to justify his potential. Atalanta ace Bellanova is more suited as a wing-back, and Norton-Cuffy, despite impressing at Genoa, might need another full season before returning to England. The Merseysiders must push for Doue, but a strong World Cup run would only solidify Strasbourg’s stance for their prized asset.
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