Everton To Compete With Tottenham For €25M Defensive Midfielder: The Right Man For The Toffees?

Is Fofana the right fit for Everton’s midfield?

VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Honestly, the answer is a bit of a mixed bag, and that is important. Fofana is excellent at driving the ball forward and has a great eye for transitions. Everton have been crying out for these two traits in the middle of the park. That ability to carry the ball through the lines gives them an added quality that standard holding midfielders don’t have.

That said, the flak he’s caught at Milan this season hasn’t come out of thin air. Fofana can be a bit lax in his defensive coverage and tends to leave gaps behind him when he ventures forward. Even Massimiliano Allegri, who reportedly wants to keep him, has seen those lapses hurt the team more than once.

Since Everton have spent most of the season focusing on defensive shape, finding the right partner for Fofana would be vital. Still, at under €25 million, you’re getting a full French international in his mid-twenties for a bargain. Everton would be wise to make a move fast before Villa or Spurs beat them to it; Fofana’s upside actually makes him an ideal fit for David Moyes’ system, better than many might think.