Everton have signed Lyon full-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles (29), both clubs have announced. The Toffees and Les Gones have reached a Deadline Day €3,5m agreement for the former England international, who had entered the final year of his contract with the French club. The 29-year-old can operate at both full-back and in midfield, providing Everton with additional versatility ahead of the new season. David Moyes fielded midfielder Merlin Röhl as a right-back for Everton’s first two Premier League games.

Maitland-Niles joined Lyon permanently in 2023 after initially spending time on loan at the club from Arsenal. He has since made 79 appearances for the French side across all competitions. Maitland-Niles is the only Ligue 1 player to join Everton on Deadline Day as USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium has collapsed at the 11th hour. Maitland-Niles could make his Everton debut at home against Manchester United.