According to Sky Sports: Everton are in the race for Serie A midfielder Mandela Keita
As David Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield base, Middlesbrough are eyeing Hayden Hackney, but Parma's Mandela Keita is also being looked at by Everton, Sky Sports report. The 24-year-old Belgian showed great consistency in Serie A last season.
Everton are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer. As per Sky Sports report, Parma player Mandela Keita is currently on Everton's shortlist and the club seems to be interested in him.
The club's coach David Moyes is planning to make the midfield more reliable and has already made an approach for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney, according to the report. Everton are weighing up their options now with Keita joining that growing shortlist.
Mandela Keita joined Parma from Royal Antwerp in 2024 and has impressed with consistent form in recent times — recording a total of 70 appearances for the club, with 37 debuts in Serie A last season, according to the report. Sources believe the 24-year-old Belgian international offers the quality Everton are looking for as a holding midfielder with defensive qualities.
However, this transfer competition may not be less: several top clubs representing Italy seem to be interested in Keita as well. Good convincing—with Goodison Park hinting at a move—could be a challenge to encourage him to decide to leave Italy, especially when there are chances to stay in Serie A after a strong showing at Parma.
This summer's fixes will be crucial for Everton. Coach Moyes hopes the addition of a veteran like a ball-winner who can turn the ball strongly will add to the solidity of the midfield. In the eyes of football fans, this can be seen as a battle of wills that settles on tactical issues rather than big fan names.
Analysts say Keita's profile fits the bill in a situation where continuity in Everton's midfield has previously struggled—especially in a holding role. He has shown a consistent record in Europe's toughest leagues and is thought to still have room for improvement.
Finally, the outcome could be anything: Everton say it would be an exceptional addition that could strengthen the spine of the team if a deal is finalised. While not a headline-grabbing transfer, there is a concession that sensitive acquisitions like these can be the building blocks of successful seasons.
