Everton Eye £35m Defender: Should Moyes Trigger His Clause?

The full picture

Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · The 4th Official ↗

Everton are considering signing Celta Vigo defender Javi Rodríguez, who was enquired about by the club in August along with Newcastle United, Fulham, and Bournemouth. Rodríguez is a 23-year-old Spaniard who operates at right-back or on the right of a defensive trio and has a £35m release clause. He has recorded three goals and one assist in his first 10 competitive appearances in 2026/27. Celta Vigo insist they won’t sell key players in January.

David Moyes values defenders who maintain physical intensity and can adjust between a conventional back four and a three-man defence. Everton have defensive depth concerns with several key players, including Michael Keane, whose contract ends in June 2027. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and James Tarkowski are among the defenders with longer contracts, running until 2029 and 2030 respectively.

The 4th Official suggests that Everton should resist triggering Rodríguez’s £35m release clause, as it would create unnecessary financial pressure under the Squad Cost Ratio rules. Instead, the club can rely on Maitland-Niles and Tarkowski to cover immediate defensive needs, allowing them to revisit Rodríguez during summer negotiations. Rodríguez has expressed his desire to remain at Celta Vigo, describing it as the club of his life.