Qudus SalihuEverton have officially kicked off their 2026 winter recruitment with a major defensive breakthrough, as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the club’s first signing of the year is a “done deal.” Taking to social media with his iconic “Here we go,” Romano revealed that the Toffees have successfully secured the signature of Blackburn Rovers’ standout right-back Ryan Alebiosu.
The news has sparked a wave of excitement across the blue half of Merseyside. The 24-year-old Nigerian international has been a revelation in the Championship this season, and despite intense competition from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and Italian clubs like Genoa, Everton moved swiftly to finalize the deal. While the defender is currently representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, the club has reached a total agreement with Blackburn for a fee reported to be in the region of £4 million.
Fans are buzzing over the acquisition, viewing it as a shrewd piece of business by David Moyes. Alebiosu, a former Arsenal youth product, is known for his blistering pace and ability to operate as both a traditional right-back and a modern wing-back. With Everton looking to modernize their defensive line and add depth to the flanks, the arrival of the Super Eagles star is seen as a vital step in the club’s new strategic recruitment model.
The atmosphere at Goodison Park is electric, with supporters praising the board’s decisiveness in beating European rivals to one of the most promising defenders in the English second tier. With the deal now finalized and the medical steps cleared, Alebiosu is expected to join the squad immediately following his return from AFCON. This signing sets a jubilant tone for the rest of the January window, with fans eager to see their new pacey full-back help drive a push for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
Rabiu Aminu
Mustapha Sheidu
