View: Everton Suffer Setback with Medical Update on ‘Perfect’ Sixth Signing for Next Priority Position

After securing centre-back Jake O’Brien from Lyon, Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers reported on July 30 that Everton’s next target was a left-back.

Currently, the Toffees rely on Vitalii Mykolenko as their primary left-back, with 39-year-old Ashley Young providing backup. However, Mykolenko has faced several injury problems recently.

Football Transfers indicated on July 29 that Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez was a target for Everton, amid interest from Italian champions Inter Milan.

Rodriguez, who left Torino on a free transfer, was seen as a viable option for Everton.

However, Fabrizio Romano reported on August 3 that Rodriguez is set to travel to Real Betis for a medical and is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Spanish club.

With Everton’s financial situation currently stable but with a more uncertain long-term outlook following the collapse of the Dan Friedkin takeover, a free-agent signing like Rodriguez seemed like an affordable option for manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell.

Inter Milan, who had shown interest in Rodriguez, were reportedly blocked by their new owners from pursuing the 31-year-old, as manager Simone Inzaghi sought the “perfect” left-back option.

It appears Everton’s interest in Rodriguez might not have been strong enough or their offer was outmatched by the one from La Liga.

As a result, the opportunity to sign Rodriguez has passed.

Overall, while the transfer window has been more positive than anticipated, fan satisfaction will largely depend on any further movements in terms of signings and departures before the deadline on August 30.