Everton linked with a move for Auxerre defender Clement Akpa

Everton are preparing for a busy summer transfer window, with Auxerre defender Clement Akpa emerging as one of their key targets. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, manager David Moyes is eager to reinforce his squad following a strong end to the current campaign.

The Toffees managed to avoid any relegation scare this season, largely thanks to a rejuvenated second-half performance under Moyes’ leadership. With the club preparing for a new chapter at the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, expected to open soon, the Friedkin Group—Everton’s ownership—are keen to back their manager with fresh talent. Defensive reinforcements appear to be on the agenda, and Akpa is firmly in their sights.

Clement Akpa, 23, has been attracting widespread attention in France and beyond due to his composed performances at the back for AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1. A product of the youth academies of US Vandoeuvre, Montrouge FC, and FC Metz, Akpa has steadily built his reputation in recent years. Since breaking into the first team at Auxerre, he has gone on to make 54 appearances for the club, registering two assists along the way.

Though his attacking contributions have been limited, it’s Akpa’s defensive capabilities—positional awareness, strong tackling, and ability to read the game—that have caught the eye of scouts across Europe. The young defender has proven himself capable against top-tier opposition in Ligue 1, and his consistent form has made him one of the most sought-after emerging defenders in the league.

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Born in France and of Ivorian descent, Akpa has also made strides on the international stage. He has represented the Ivory Coast national team twice, suggesting a bright future for him at both club and international levels. With his profile rising rapidly, a move away from Auxerre this summer appears increasingly likely.

Everton, however, are not alone in the race for Akpa’s signature. Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with Bundesliga outfits Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, and Stuttgart, are all reported to be monitoring the situation closely. Foot Mercato suggests that Akpa’s departure from Auxerre is “almost certain,” with the French side already resigned to losing their talented defender.

Securing Akpa’s services would signal Everton’s intent ahead of their move to the new stadium, marking a fresh era for the Merseyside club. With Moyes at the helm and new investment expected to flow, fans will be hopeful that smart acquisitions like Akpa can help the team push for a higher finish next season and potentially challenge for European spots.

As the transfer window approaches, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where Akpa will play his football next season. For Everton, acting swiftly and decisively could be key to landing one of France’s most promising young defenders.

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Should Everton make a move for Clement Akpa this summer?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.