Everton rekindle interest in one-cap Super Eagles star

Nine-time English Premier League winners Everton have reignited their interest in Super Eagles and Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu, Afrik Foot reports.

According to reports from The72 UK and Read Everton, Alebiosu is expected to be “in demand” this summer after an impressive campaign with the Rovers in the EFL Championship.

The 24-year-old defender made 40 appearances in all competitions, including 39 league outings, contributing one goal and five assists.

Why Everton are interested in Alebiosu

Over the previous two seasons, the Toffees’ best Premier League finish has been 13th. This term, upon David Moyes’ return, Everton are 10th with a slight chance of securing a Conference League spot.

However, their maiden campaign at the Hill Davinson Stadium hasn’t been without its struggles, one of which is the absence of a proper right back.

Club captain Seamus Coleman, 37, is entering the twilight of his career and could be set for an exit this summer when his contract runs out. Nathan Patterson, meanwhile, has struggled with fitness and consistency.

Irish centre-back Jake O’Brien has been deployed as right-back by David Moyes, while ex-Manchester United midfielder James Garner has had cameos in the position as well, but neither offers the attacking output Alebiosu has provided for Blackburn this season.

In the Rovers setup, the one-cap Super Eagles defender plays slightly further up the pitch in the wing-back position, thriving on overlapping runs and early deliveries into the box, an attribute Moyes loves with his full-backs, as seen with the likes of Ashley Young.

However, the Merseysiders face competition in the pursuit of the Nigerian. Italian side Genoa saw a reported £4.3 million bid rejected in January. Scottish giants Rangers and Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Alebiosu remains under contract at Blackburn until June 2028, with an option for an additional year, placing the Championship side in a strong negotiating position.

However, a bid in the region of £8–10 million could test Rovers’ resolve, particularly after they finished 20th and only narrowly avoided relegation.

Should the Super Eagles star join Everton?

Alebiosu had a spell in Arsenal’s Hale Academy during his youth days, and for every player that has gone through the ranks with the Gunners, a Premier League dream is always on the cards.

A move to the English top-flight would be a massive boost for Alebiosu, and he’ll offer a different profile to what Everton already have.

Additionally, Moyes’ side possesses more top-flight security than all of the other teams interested. Wolfsburg is in a relegation battle in the Bundesliga, while Genoa are in the bottom half of the Serie A.

Everton, meanwhile, have never been relegated from the Premier League since its inception in 1992. Their last relegation from the English top-flight occurred over 70 years ago, in the 1950–51 season. They have maintained top-flight status since returning in 1954.