Everton in talks to sign Europa League TOTS ace Mingueza

Everton have opened talks with Oscar Mingueza over a free transfer this summer, and the 27-year-old Spanish defender has become an even more attractive proposition after UEFA’s Technical Observer Group named him in the left-back slot of the 2025-26 Europa League Team of the Season, recognising his performances across 11 appearances as Celta Vigo reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

Mingueza provided one assist in his European outings and contributed one goal and six assists across 46 appearances in all competitions for Celta this season. He also made more than 15 appearances at right-back as well as left-back, with one further game in central defence, demonstrating the positional versatility that makes him an especially appealing target for a manager who values flexibility across the backline.

His contract at Celta Vigo expires this summer, meaning Everton would pay no transfer fee to acquire a player who has now been officially recognised by UEFA as one of Europe’s finest full-backs in cup competition this season.

Why Oscar Mingueza suits David Moyes and Everton this summer

Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will not play for Everton beyond this season, ending a 17-year association with the club. Vitaliy Mykolenko’s long-term future also remains uncertain, even with a one-year extension clause expected to be triggered. The right-back and left-back positions are both areas that require significant attention this summer.

Mingueza addresses both. He has made 86 appearances as a central defender across his career, meaning Moyes would be signing someone capable of covering three positions in one deal. At 27 he is entering the prime years of his career, and the free transfer status removes the financial barrier that might otherwise delay or complicate a deal.

The Europa League TOTS recognition adds external validation that may not change Everton’s view of the player but will almost certainly attract rival interest. Mingueza’s availability was not a secret before this week, but the UEFA selection puts him in front of a much wider audience of clubs now actively building their squads for next season.

Trippier and Toth complete Everton’s early window activity

Mingueza is one of three players Everton are currently in discussions with, according to TEAMtalk. The club have also spoken to Kieran Trippier’s representatives about a potential free transfer move after Newcastle decided not to extend the 35-year-old’s contract, with Coleman’s departure creating an immediate vacancy that Trippier could fill as an experienced short-term option.

Everton have additionally opened discussions with Blackburn Rovers over a deal to sign goalkeeper Balazs Toth, with Mark Travers expected to push for an exit from the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer. The three conversations represent an early and purposeful approach to the window, giving Moyes options at right-back, left-back and goalkeeper before the market formally opens.