Everton's Rebuild: Marcus Tavernier's Perfect Timing for Transfer
Everton’s rebuild could have another key piece lined up, with former senior scout King adamant Marcus Tavernier is hitting the perfect moment in his career to make the jump to Goodison Park.
King, who spent years shaping recruitment on Merseyside, believes the Bournemouth midfielder is right in the sweet spot.
“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,” he told Football Insider, stressing that Everton would be buying a player entering his prime rather than one still learning the trade.
What really catches King’s eye is Tavernier’s flexibility.
“He can play midfield, he can play wide. You know, he could be an interesting player to bring in with Johnson. He could certainly lift the midfield, couldn't he?”
That versatility is exactly what Everton have been short of. A player who can drift wide, drop deeper, or press high without the system falling apart. In a squad undergoing a heavy reshaping, those traits carry a premium.
King also pointed to Bournemouth’s recent track record in the market as a sign 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, though, are only at the enquiry stage. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported on 9 August that the club have made their interest known, with initial conversations held on the player’s side but no formal move lodged with Bournemouth yet.
“Understand Everton have made an enquiry on Marcus Tavernier. Initial talks on the player side. No approach to Bournemouth,” Jacobs posted on his personal X account.
If Everton push on and a deal gets done, Tavernier would slot into an already aggressive summer overhaul. The former Middlesbrough man would join a list of new arrivals that includes Brennan Johnson, Merlin Rohl, Tyrique George, Hayden Hackney, and Christian Norgaard.
A squad that looked stale not long ago is being ripped up and reimagined. The question now is whether Everton double down and add Tavernier as the next piece of a midfield built to run, press, and finally drag the club out of its holding pattern.
