EFL club face 'dilemma' as Everton eye right-back alternative - report

Everton are monitoring the situation of Sheffield United right-back Femi Seriki.

David Moyes is still waiting on his first Everton signing of the winter window, and Seriki‘s name is the latest to be linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

As Monday’s deadline moves closer, the Toffees could start getting desperate in their attempts to bolster their squad, and right-back is a position that is known to be an area Moyes wants to strengthen.

Nathan Patterson doesn’t appear to be in his long-term plans, Seamus Coleman is 37 and out of contract in the summer, and Jake O’Brien is a centre-back by trade.

Sheffield United weigh up Femi Seriki decision amid Everton interest

Everton have been linked with a move for Seriki before Monday’s deadline, with Moyes now casting his right-back net to the Championship.

The 23-year-old Sheffield United star is far from the first right-back to be touted with a move to L3 this winter, but Everton’s other pursuits have largely led to dead ends.

Seriki is in fine form for Chris Wilder’s men this season, despite United’s struggles in the second tier as they currently sit 17th.

However, the Blades academy graduate has got one goal and four assists in 22 Championship appearances to his name this term, and is well on his way to establishing himself as a top second tier defender.

But, in a fresh report from The Star on Friday, it’s reported that Everton are continuing to keep tabs on Seriki’s situation at Bramall Lane, as he is out of contract in the summer of 2027.

This has reportedly provided Sheffield United with a transfer dilemma, as it’s stated that whilst they are reluctant to lose him, Blades chiefs will now need to gauge the interest levels over signing a new deal amid this interest.

However, it is stated that Everton’s current primary target at right-back is Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, and that Seriki would be seen as an alternative signing if the Toffees can’t strike a deal with the Italian side.

• Read more: Everton not giving up on Brooke Norton-Cuffy as advanced talks held

Seriki’s underlying stats reveal size of potential Everton gamble

Whilst Seriki has indeed been enjoying an impressive season with Sheffield United, he’s far from the finished article.

2025-26 is his first season as a fairly cemented starting player for United, having previously played a rotational role and has been sent out on numerous loans over the last few years.

As per Sofascore, Seriki has created seven big chances this term, whilst also completing 80 per cent of his passes, so he is clearly a talented and impactful attacking full-back.

However, his defensive numbers are more concerning, as he’s won only 56 per cent of his total duels, with a 57 per cent win rate from his ground duels and a 50 per cent win rate in the air respectively.

Those aren’t numbers that leap off the page, and given the Championship is his highest level of football played in his career, asking him to come and potentially start in the Premier League straight away would be a huge gamble.

Seriki has also had his fair share of injury and fitness issues too, and so with the Premier League even more demanding in that regard, that might also be another red flag for Everton.

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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