Everton must reignite move for star likened to Antonio Rudiger amid Jarrad Branthwaite woes
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Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Sat 27 September 2025 7:30, UK
David Moyes could already be looking ahead to the January transfer window as Everton’s injury problems continue.
New signing Merlin Rohl has been sidelined since his short cameo against Aston Villa earlier this month, and Jarrad Branthwaite continues to suffer from an injury after having surgery over the summer.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have been the preferred centre-back partnership, with Jake O’Brien deputising at right-back for the Toffees, and Vitaliy Mykolenko also returning to full fitness.
Despite the overall struggles in the treatment room, the Moyes’ team have experienced a successful start to the campaign, sitting 10th in the Premier League table after five matches.
That could also change with one serious injury, however, and that is exactly why the Toffees need to address the lack of depth in the centre-back department.
Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the sidelines for Everton.
(Credit Imago)
Moyes has confirmed that Branthwaite, while he continues to recover and will return to training soon, will be unavailable to face West Ham on Monday, 29 September.
He also missed several matches due to a consistent groin injury, 21 for club and country in total, and the Toffees cannot continue to depend on him if he is stuck on the treatment table.
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While Tarkowski and Keane have remained consistent over the last few weeks, both defenders are only getting older, making them susceptible to injuries should they not be given a rest.
Although months remain until clubs are given the chance to scour the transfer market again, there would be no harm in Moyes and his staff putting a plan in place to sign an alternative for the rest of the season.
Football Insider revealed in March that Everton would need to spend £40million on Joel Ordonez, who is currently plying his trade for Club Brugge over in the Belgian top division.
Of course, The Friedkin Group have made it no secret their desire to spend big and push Everton up the Premier League table, showcased by the rumours around signing Jack Grealish permanently.
Ordonez has an abundance of experience under his belt at the age of just 21, and he also has 10 international caps to his name with Ecuador.
In addition to that, football scout Jacek Kulig (X) compared the player to Real Madrid‘s Antonio Rudiger, and given that the German has two Champions League title wins, that is not a bad comparison at all.