Everton Suffer Major Blow in the Race to Sign ‘Highly Rated’ Defender – Report | OneFootball

Everton and Villa Risk Losing Out as Bids Land for French Starlet Zeze

Interest in Nantes’ Nathan Zeze has accelerated dramatically, with two official offers lodged for the French youth international. According to Inside Futbol, Saudi Pro League side Neom and La Liga outfit Villarreal have both submitted ‘firm offers’ in the region of €22 million for the highly rated 20-year-old defender.

Zeze, who made his senior debut in 2023, endured an injury-affected 2024-25 season, managing only 18 appearances in Ligue 1. However, he proved his fitness this summer by playing in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship for France and even scored for his national side, reinforcing his growing reputation.

Premier League interest has been bubbling for some time. Back in May, Bournemouth made a verbal offer of €20 million. More recently, Everton and Aston Villa have been linked as they search for defensive reinforcements.

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Defensive Needs Driving Premier League Interest

Both clubs have clear reasons to pursue Zeze. Villa, who have no intention of selling Ollie Watkins and are working to extend Lucas Digne’s contract, are looking to shore up their backline following Axel Disasi’s return to Chelsea after his loan spell. Everton, now under the leadership of David Moyes, are prioritising a centre-back to solidify their defence ahead of the new campaign.

The report states: “They need to sign a centre-back though following Axel Disasi’s loan ending, while Everton are also in the market for defensive reinforcements.” The underlying urgency for both sides suggests the competition is about to intensify.

Time Ticking for Premier League Sides

Zeze is still contracted to Nantes until 2028, but according to Inside Futbol, “it is suggested that Zeze, who is under contract with Nantes for another three years, is close to leaving the club.” That puts pressure on clubs like Villa and Everton to act swiftly, or risk missing out to continental rivals.

While no official bids have been confirmed from either Premier League club, the presence of offers from Neom and Villarreal means the time for hesitation may have passed. Villarreal, with their proven record of developing young talent, present an attractive proposition, while Saudi clubs continue to lure emerging European talents with aggressive financial packages.

As Inside Futbol highlights, “Now all that remains to be seen is where the young defender heads to continue his development.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Everton supporters, this feels like a pivotal moment in the summer window. Nathan Zeze represents everything Moyes is known to value in a defender – young, physically dominant, tactically disciplined and with international pedigree. That he has returned from injury and performed well on the European stage should quell any lingering doubts about his fitness.

With other clubs moving decisively, Everton must not fall into old habits of being reactive. A €22 million fee is competitive for a player with Zeze’s ceiling, and under Moyes, Goodison Park could offer both development and a genuine Premier League challenge. As one hopeful supporter might say, “If Moyes wants him, we should be backing that call now, not when it’s too late.”

There’s also a broader statement to be made here. Everton need to show intent. After years of uncertainty and patchy recruitment, winning the race for a player like Zeze would mark a fresh era – one based on smart investment, not desperate measures. Letting him slip to Villarreal or Saudi Arabia would be a disappointing signal that the old indecision still lingers. Act now, or regret it later.