Toffees Turn to Boma as En-Nesyri Chase Heats Up
Everton haven’t inked a new signing yet this window, but make no mistake: the gears are turning. With Harrison Armstrong recalled from his Preston loan and immediately thrown into the action — even grinding through 120 minutes in the FA Cup at Sunderland — the need for reinforcements has been laid bare. Now, sources indicate the Toffees have made contact with Estoril Praia about centre-half Kevin Boma, while a push for Youssef En-Nesyri up top adds extra intrigue.
Why Boma fits the brief
Boma, 23, has been a mainstay for Estoril this season, racking up 16 league starts in Portugal and catching the eye for his blend of power and recovery pace. One respected analyst has dubbed him “incredibly athletic,” and that profile would bring a different flavour to Everton’s back line compared to the more traditional, no-nonsense styles of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski. A January exit for Boma isn’t off the table if the numbers stack up, though Everton aren’t alone in admiring the defender.
This is exactly the sort of proactive, athletic centre-back Everton have lacked since injuries thinned the ranks — the type who can defend space and still relish a scrap in the box.
Big-picture defence: now and next
There’s a strategic layer here. Keane is out of contract in the summer and both he and Tarkowski are in their thirties, so future-proofing at centre-half is overdue. The ongoing absence of Jarrad Branthwaite has also left a sizeable hole, and we’ve seen a central defender shunted to right-back to plug gaps — a sticking plaster that can’t hold forever.
Which brings us to the long-running sore: right-back. Seamus Coleman has been a warrior for the club, but time waits for no one. Right-back should be the priority position this month; secure a proper option there and you not only stop the leak out wide, you also allow the makeshift solutions to revert to their natural roles in the middle.
En-Nesyri and the balancing act up front
On the other side of the pitch, the bid for En-Nesyri underlines Everton’s hunt for punch in the penalty area. The Moroccan’s movement and penalty-box instincts would give Sean Dyche a focal point and, crucially, a finisher to turn tight games. With goals at a premium, pairing a more dynamic centre-half with a reliable scorer is precisely how you shift the narrative of a season.
Verdict: smart moves if the price is right
Armstrong’s early return has been a useful jolt, but it also highlights how thin the margins are. Boma would add legs and balance to the defence, while a right-back remains a glaring must-do. Add En-Nesyri and suddenly the spine looks sturdier and more threatening. For those tracking the market like the best betting sites, keep your eyes on Goodison — this could be a late-window double act that defines Everton’s run-in.
