Everton's midfield hunt zeroes in on Parma's Belgian anchor

Everton have entered the race to sign 24‑year‑old Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita, who has featured 70 times for Serie A side Parma since moving from Royal Antwerp in 2024, including 37 top‑flight appearances last season, as manager David Moyes seeks to bolster his holding midfield.

Everton's summer transfer agenda also includes an approach for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, indicating Moyes' intent to reinforce the midfield core. The club has identified Keita as a further option alongside Hackney as part of a growing shortlist.

Keita, a Belgium international, offers the defensive solidity Everton desire, having established himself as a reliable ball‑winner in one of Europe’s toughest leagues. His 37 Serie A outings last season underline his experience at the highest level.

Italian clubs are also reported to be monitoring Keita, suggesting a competitive bidding environment for the midfielder. Parma, his current club, will need to weigh offers from both England and Italy.

Moyes believes that adding a player of Keita's profile could provide the platform for his evolving squad ahead of the new campaign. The recruitment could address Everton's noted inconsistency in the holding role.

Choosing Goodison Park over a continued Serie A spell may hinge on the promise of regular Premier League football. At 24, Keita still has room to develop, making him a potential long‑term asset for Everton.

The move would align with Everton's strategy of signing players entering their prime rather than short‑term fixes. If the deal materialises, Keita could become a cornerstone of the team's midfield spine.