‘Kenny Tete big red flag emerges after Everton latest – I’ve checked the detail’
Everton are keen to add Fulham right-back Kenny Tete to their squad for next season with the defender facing a key decision in the coming days.
Tete, 29, is out of contract at Craven Cottage on 30 June and has been offered new terms in west London – but is also subject of a proposal on Merseyside.
According to The Independent (25 June), Everton are looking to derail his contract renegotiation with Fulham after offering a three-year contract.
Tete has been with the Cottagers since 2020 and made 22 appearances in the Premier League last time amid competition in the squad from Timothy Castagne.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has identified one “big red flag” for the former Netherlands international.
Tete injury record will be concerning for Everton, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested Tete’s injury record could be a problem for Everton chiefs.
He missed a big portion of last season with a knee problem and had groin and Achilles injuries in the previous campaign.
Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are already on the books at right-back with both also struggling to stay fit.
Nevertheless, Wyness suggested he would be happy if a free transfer deal went through this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I was relieved to see this news about Tete.
“All the other candidates that were talked about it right back, they had been well over 30.
“However, the big red flag has always been his injury record. He’s missed a lot of time, but when I checked into it in detail, the injuries tend to be unrelated rather than one significant injury that keeps on reoccurring, so I’m hopeful.
“I think he’s mentally the right type of player.
“Tete, if he keeps fit, I think will be a great addition to the squad. The players will get on with him, and the fans will like him as well.”
‘Everton to miss out on Ferguson’
Meanwhile, Everton could reportedly be set to miss out on the signing of Brighton star Evan Ferguson.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that Celtic are confident they can beat both the Toffees and Nottingham Forest to a deal.
Brown added that Celtic believe their ability to offer him guaranteed playing time and Champions League football could give them an edge in the race.
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