Everton’s summer business has been nothing short of ambitious.
The arrival of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City has stolen headlines, but David Moyes isn’t content to stop there.
With the opening fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road just days away, the Scot is pressing to secure one final signing – a right-sided attacker to balance his frontline.
That position has been something of a headache for Everton in recent seasons.
Despite flashes of quality from the likes of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrøm, the Toffees have lacked a consistent threat on the right wing.
Moyes has long favoured wingers who can carry the ball at speed, stretch defensive lines, and cut inside to shoot – traits that became a hallmark of Jarrod Bowen’s game at West Ham.
The club’s pursuit of Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling has been well documented, but negotiations have stalled. Multiple bids have been rejected, with the Saints demanding £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.
Dibling has trained away from the first team, and talks are expected this week, but the price tag is proving prohibitive.
In the meantime, Moyes has turned his focus to a player who could offer many of the same qualities and perhaps even mirror the impact Bowen had when he first joined Moyes’ West Ham side in 2020.
Everton's search for a winger
According to Sébastian Vidal, Abdul Fatawu has been “targeted” Everton this summer, with Aston Villa also now entering the race for his signature.
Known for his blistering pace and direct dribbling style, he has drawn comparisons to Bowen not only for his position but also for his playing profile.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given was unequivocal in his praise after Leicester’s win over Southampton last October:
“This guy is absolutely lightning… a brilliant talent.”
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Fatawu’s journey has already taken him from Sporting Lisbon to Leicester, where he initially arrived on loan before signing permanently in 2024 for €16m (£14m).
His market value now sits at €11m (£10m), as per Transfermarkt, making him an attainable target in a summer where Everton have already spent wisely.
Why Fatawu could thrive under Moyes
Moyes has a proven track record of maximising the output of dynamic wingers.
When Bowen joined West Ham from Hull City, he was a promising Championship player with raw potential.
Under Moyes’ guidance, Bowen developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable wide forwards, scoring 56 goals in 193 appearances for the Hammers and netting the decisive goal in the 2023 Europa Conference League final.
Bowen’s success came down to several tactical factors that could also suit Fatawu.
Firstly, Moyes built his attack to give Bowen space to run into, often with overlapping full-backs drawing defenders away.
Secondly, Bowen was encouraged to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, opening up both shooting and passing angles.
Fatawu, a left-footed right-winger, thrives in similar situations, using his dribbling to force defenders onto their weaker side before striking at goal or slipping through a teammate.
Moyes believes Fatawu’s pace, power, and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas could transform Everton’s attacking play.
Matches played
40
Starts
33
Minutes
2,814
Goals
6
Assists
13
Progressive carries
144
Progressive passes
116
Shot on target percentage
20.0%
Pass completion rate
74%
Shot-creating actions per 90
4.26
His statistical profile backs up the hype – ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (4.51) and progressive carries per 90 (6.53) last season, as per FBref.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
For context, Bowen’s own numbers in the 2023/24 Premier League season sat at 1.01 and 2.69 respectively, making Fatawu one of the league’s most dangerous ball carriers.
What’s more, he’s not just quick in straight lines – he’s explosive over the first few yards, able to burst past a defender before they’ve had time to adjust.
That acceleration makes him ideal for counter-attacking football, a hallmark of Moyes’ best sides.
Fatawu’s ball progression numbers are even more striking when compared to Bowen’s.
His 6.53 progressive carries per 90 dwarf Bowen’s 2.69 from the 23/24 season, while his take-on success rate shows a player who can consistently beat his man.
That skill could be invaluable when breaking down deep, compact defences – something Everton struggled with throughout the last campaign.
Adding Fatawu to an attack that already features Grealish and Thierno Barry could give Moyes the balance he craves.
Barry’s aerial dominance and hold-up play would create space for Fatawu to drive into, while Grealish’s creative passing could feed him in behind.
The result could be a front line capable of hurting opponents both in transition and in sustained possession.
Fatawu’s similarities to other Premier League wide forwards are also worth noting.
His profile mirrors that of Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye and Brentford-bound Dango Ouattara, as per FBref.
Of course, there are risks.
Fatawu missed 29 games last season due to his ligament injury, and his injury history will be under close scrutiny by Everton’s medical team.
But at just 21, his potential ceiling is significant, and his international experience – 19 caps for Ghana, with two goals – shows he can handle the demands of high-pressure football.
With Villa also monitoring him as a possible replacement for Leon Bailey, Everton may need to move quickly.
The Toffees’ recruitment team are understood to be preparing their approach, with the expectation that Leicester would want to at least recoup the £14m they paid for him.