Everton’s secured Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a 29-year-old player who can cover several positions, from Olympique Lyonnais.
Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam says the deal was a good one for Everton, costing them just £4.2 million. Maitland-Niles is back in the Premier League after spending three years in France with Lyon, where he was in the last year of his contract. Everton moved fast on transfer deadline day to bring him in, wanting to add more options in defense and midfield.
With Séamus Coleman moving on and a potential transfer for Kenny Tete not working out, Maitland-Niles looks set to fill that important right-back spot. He’s versatile enough to play both full-back positions, as well as central or defensive midfield. Coming from the Arsenal academy, he adds valuable depth to the team. He’s played over 100 games in France, and before that won trophies in England (FA Cup) and Europe (UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma), so he brings real experience at a high level.
Maitland-Niles is now heading to the UK to have his medical and sort out personal terms for a three-year deal. He might even be ready to play as soon as Sunday’s game against Manchester United.
