---
title: "Exclusive: Ball identifies Everton’s “problem position”"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/exclusive-ball-identifies-evertons-problem-position/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Harry Sherlock"
section: "Everton"
published: "2021-08-21T05:20:19Z"
modified: "2021-08-21T05:20:19Z"
---

# Exclusive: Ball identifies Everton’s “problem position”

**Michael Ball insists that Everton need to sign a right-back this summer amid links with Aurelio Buta.**

The Royal Antwerp right-back has been [heavily linked](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-transfer-news-rumours-live-21318615) with a potential move to Goodison Park in this transfer window.

Everton are reported to be willing to pay around £3m for the defender to bolster the backline.

\[freshpress-poll id=”369819″\]

Ball admits that while Seamus Coleman remains the club’s first-choice in the position, reinforcements are desperately needed in the position.

Everton have used short-term fixes at times in the position, previously taking Djibril Sidibe on loan, but he believes that a permanent addition is required before the transfer deadline.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: *“It’s been a problem position for the club for a couple of seasons with Seamus, we’ve had players on loan, but Seamus has bounced back when he’s had his opportunity and he’s still the one to knock off the perch.*

*“If Buta’s the guy who they feel is right, it’s good competition for the right-back berth, which is much needed.”*

Coleman has been a long-serving member of the Everton squad and has made a total of [351 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/seamus-coleman/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/68390) for the club, since his debut way back in 2009. In October, he will turn 33, however, so new blood is needed if Everton are to effectively replace the veteran.