Everton Take A Big Decision On January Right-Back Signing: Does It Show A Lack Of Ambition?
· Yahoo Sports
Everton have reportedly decided against adding another right-back in January, despite concerns over depth. According to a report by The Athletic published on September 10, the club believe their current options can cover the role after the late arrival of the £4m summer signing from Lyon, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
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That decision follows a dramatic deadline day. The 29-year-old made an immediate impact against Manchester United, scoring a 96th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw. David Moyes now expects him to compete with Merlin Rohl for the starting berth, while James Garner and Jake O’Brien can cover when required. They can help on the left, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Garner able to step across if Vitalii Mykolenko misses out.
The thinking comes after Everton failed to sign Celtic’s Alistair Johnston, their preferred target before injury disrupted the move. The collapse of the Folarin Balogun deal added to a frustrating summer under the Friedkin Group, yet the hierarchy believes a defensive purchase can wait.
Does Everton’s right-back plan show a lack of ambition?
I don’t agree with Everton’s decision. A spectacular debut from a £4m signing makes a wonderful story, but one late equaliser can’t become the evidence for a squad strategy. Moyes needs reliable options across the season, where injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can turn depth into a problem.
PRESTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: David Moyes, manager of Everton waves to Preston fans after the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Preston North End and Everton at Deepdale on August 26, 2026 in Preston, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Rohl deserves support, and his willingness to perform at right-back has helped Everton, but asking a young midfielder to become a dependable specialist over months is risky. The same applies to both players. Each can cover the flank, yet every switch creates another hole elsewhere. Pull Garner wide, and you lose a midfield option; use O’Brien there, and you reduce central defensive depth. That is poor squad economics, before fatigue enters the picture.
Can Everton really trust their cover?
Everton’s summer business makes the decision harder to defend. Missing Johnston exposed the original weakness, while spending £4m on a versatile player solved part of the issue rather than erasing it. Fans can question the Friedkin Group’s appetite for a European push when the club have chosen restraint after a thin window.
Moyes should have a specialist right-back available for competition and insurance, rather than rely on emergency reshuffles. A cautious January policy may protect the balance sheet, but it could damage the season if injuries arrive together. For a club chasing Europe, hoping every makeshift solution holds up is a gamble.