Everton face the possibility of missing out on a transfer target to AS Roma, in a potentially awkward situation for David Moyes.
The Toffees are yet to make any new additions this summer, but there have been a host of exits.
Carlos Alcaraz has been signed permanently after his loan move, but regarding actual new faces Everton have been quiet thus far.
But speculation has been rife about new signings, with Everton currently looking to prioritise four positions.
One of those positions is a new midfielder, and in recent weeks Everton have been linked with a move for Matt O’Riley of Brighton.
O’Riley cast doubt on his Brighton future recently, stating that he was not completely happy because of the position he had been playing under Fabian Hurzeler.
That may have opened the door, but Moyes could now be stung by TFG over Matt O’Riley.
AS Roma interested in signing Everton target Matt O’Riley
According to Italian publication Leggo, which has been covered by Siamo La Roma, AS Roma could now sign O’Riley.
It is stated that the Denmark international is ‘a profile of great interest’ for Roma officials.
Interestingly, it’s mentioned that O’Riley was a target for Atalanta before his move to Brighton, with Gian Piero Gasperini their manager at the time of that interest.
Now, Gasperini is the manager of Roma, so seemingly O’Riley is a player he still likes.
And this is a slightly awkward situation for Everton and Moyes, with The Friedkin Group obviously also owning Roma.
Everton could do with a new midfielder following the exits of Mangala and Doucoure, and O’Riley – who Brendan Rodgers once hailed for his ‘phenomenal’ consistency (via BBC Sport) – could be a good signing.
Moyes must be firm with The Friedkin Group over transfer targets
With TFG owning both Everton and Roma, it was perhaps inevitable that this kind of situation would crop up, with both teams being linked with the same player.
Moyes needs to be firm with the owners this summer, because if the club are to have any hope of pushing for European football, then it’s paramount he gets the players he wants and needs.
| Matt O’Riley for Brighton (2024-present) |
| Appearances – 23 |
| Minutes played – 948 |
| Goals – 2 |
| Assists – 3 |
O’Riley is a great midfielder despite the fact it hasn’t really worked out for him at Brighton so far.
He’d potentially be a good addition to the pool of midfield options for Moyes.
The Gasperini factor may make this deal tricky for Everton, but hopefully the player would prefer to remain in the Premier League and prove himself.
