By OkayGoal 
Everton are among the clubs showing strong interest in Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann, with Portuguese journalist Pablo Oliveira reporting that the 24-year-old American international is valued at between €20m and €25m by the French club, as David Moyes identifies the defensive midfield position as one of his priority areas for the summer alongside a striker and right-back.
Leeds United and Brentford are also linked from England, with Ajax and Freiburg completing a field of clubs that Oliveira says are all monitoring the situation. Everton’s interest predates this summer by over twelve months, making them one of the more committed suitors in the race.
Why Tanner Tessmann suits Everton and what his arrival means for Gana Gueye
Neither Idrissa Gana Gueye nor Tim Iroegbunam has consistently convinced Moyes as the ideal partner for Garner, and signing Tessmann would address that concern with a proven Ligue 1 performer in his prime years at 24.
The consequences for Gana Gueye are straightforward. The 36-year-old Senegalese international has been a regular under Moyes but missed the final four games of the season with a muscle injury, finishing with 29 appearances, 22 starts and just one goal contribution across the campaign. His tackles per 90 figure of 1.34 and 51.6% duel success rate reflect a player who is still competitive but operating at the margin of what top-flight football demands at his age.
Tessmann’s arrival would almost certainly push Gueye into a rotation role rather than prompt an exit. Moyes values experienced squad players and would not discard a club legend lightly. The player more likely to be squeezed out of the picture is Iroegbunam, who continues to struggle for consistency and has not yet demonstrated he can hold down a regular Premier League starting place.
What Everton face in the race for Tessmann
Lyon’s asking price of €20-25m is manageable for a club that is now operating with more financial confidence under The Friedkin Group ownership. The competition, however, is real. Leeds are back in the Premier League and building ambitiously. Brentford have a track record of identifying and developing exactly this type of midfielder. Ajax and Freiburg would offer regular European football, which Everton cannot match.
The pitch Moyes can make is centred on Premier League ambition and the specific role Tessmann would play. Coming in to partner Garner at a club with genuine top-half aspirations is a compelling platform for a 24-year-old American international who will also be eyeing a strong World Cup in his home country this summer. Moving quickly before that tournament amplifies both his profile and Lyon’s asking price is the smartest approach available. Everton’s long-standing interest suggests the intent has been there for some time. The question is whether the summer finally brings the follow-through.
