Everton are poised for a transformative summer under the new ownership of the Friedkin Group, with early moves in the market already taking shape. One of the key targets? Brighton’s dynamic full-back Tariq Lamptey.
According to fresh reports, the Toffees are leading the race for the Ghana international, who is set to become a free agent this summer.
A new era at Everton – and major summer moves expected
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With PSR restrictions easing after the financial year closes and the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium set to add around £40m in annual revenue, Everton finally have room to manoeuvre again in the market.
The Friedkin Group are determined to push the club back towards European contention — possibly as early as next season — and they plan to back David Moyes with significant investment.
James Garner has spoken about aiming for a top-10 finish, but privately the ambitions within the club are much higher.
Right-back priority: Tariq Lamptey top of the list
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Everton’s interest in a new right-back is no surprise. Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are both out of contract this summer, and Nathan Patterson has yet to fully convince Moyes that he’s a long-term starter.
According to Africa Foot, Everton are favourites to land Lamptey, although Ajax are also strongly interested.
Lamptey, 24, would bring a very different dynamic to the Everton defence. When fit, he’s one of Europe’s most explosive full-backs — a player who can transform transitions and add genuine attacking thrust down the flank.
What Lamptey offers Everton
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Despite injury setbacks in recent seasons, Lamptey remains statistically elite when it comes to ball progression:
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Top 8% among full-backs in Europe for progressive carries (FBref)
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Top 14% for assists from defensive positions
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Exceptional 1v1 dribbler, capable of beating his marker and attacking space with real intensity
Lamptey would offer a profile completely different to Everton’s current full-back options:
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Vertical ball progression
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Cutting runs inside to create overloads
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Dangerous low crosses and cut-backs from advanced positions
If Everton want to play a more expansive, transitional style under Moyes next season, Lamptey’s attributes make him an ideal signing.
Competition for the signing
While Everton are currently favourites, Ajax’s interest cannot be dismissed. The Dutch giants are looking to rebuild themselves after a turbulent season and see Lamptey as a player who fits their philosophy.
For Everton, the selling point remains clear — Premier League football, a project aimed at pushing for Europe, and the opportunity for Lamptey to relaunch his career on a big stage.
Tariq Lamptey represents a smart, high-upside signing for Everton as they look to kickstart a new era under the Friedkin Group.
If the Toffees can fend off Ajax and wrap up the deal early, it would not only address a key need at right-back but also signal their serious intentions for the 2025/26 campaign.
The summer rebuild at Goodison Park is officially underway — and Lamptey could be the first of many smart moves.
