Everton Eye Marcus Tavernier for Midfield Flexibility
Everton are weighing a move for Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier, with a former senior scout at Goodison Park convinced the midfielder is hitting the perfect stage of his career.
Ex-Everton talent spotter King believes Tavernier is right on the cusp of his peak and offers exactly the kind of flexibility the club are hunting for in this window. Speaking to Football Insider, King highlighted both age and adaptability as major selling points.
“He's a gainer in the 25, 26, 27 age, isn't he? So, you know, you're looking at him, again, good age. He's done well,” King said, stressing that Everton would be buying a player ready to deliver now rather than one still learning the game.
The appeal goes beyond his years. Tavernier’s ability to operate in multiple roles across the pitch is central to Everton’s interest.
“He can play midfield, he can play wide,” King added. “You know, he could be an interesting player to bring in with Johnson. He could certainly lift the midfield, couldn't he?”
That versatility has been on show at Bournemouth, where the Cherries’ recent transfer work has drawn plenty of praise. King pointed to their model as proof of Tavernier’s value.
“He's done well at Bournemouth. You know, when you look at Bournemouth's recruitment, it's been very good, hasn't it? I mean, Christ, they've made a lot of money on sale of players. Bringing them in cheapish and selling them for big money.”
Everton’s interest is real. Journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed on 9 August that the club have stepped up their work on the player side, even if Bournemouth have not yet been formally approached. Posting on his X account, Jacobs reported: “Understand Everton have made an enquiry on Marcus Tavernier. Initial talks on the player side. No approach to Bournemouth.”
So this is still early-stage. But it fits the pattern of a busy, aggressive rebuild at Goodison.
If a deal is pushed over the line, the former Middlesbrough man would become the latest piece in a sweeping overhaul of Sean Dyche’s options, following the arrivals of Brennan Johnson, Merlin Rohl, Tyrique George, Hayden Hackney, and Christian Norgaard.
Everton wanted legs, depth, and variety in midfield. Tavernier, right in those prime years and comfortable across several positions, could be the next answer in a summer of big questions.
