Everton sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Olympique Lyonnais on three-year deal

Everton have completed the permanent signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Olympique Lyonnais for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day.

The 29-year-old right-back has agreed a contract running until the end of June 2029, returning to the Premier League after three years in France.

Maitland-Niles becomes Everton’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. His arrival follows the permanent transfer of Merlin Rohl, as well as deals for Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, Christian Nørgaard and Brennan Johnson. Everton have also brought in Jack Grealish on loan.

The London-born defender came through the Arsenal academy and made his first-team debut for the club in 2014, aged 17. During his time with the Gunners, he won the FA Cup, while he also lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League during a spell with Roma.

Maitland-Niles spent time on loan at Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion, Roma and Southampton after breaking into the Arsenal first team. His versatility has been a consistent feature of his career, with the new Everton player able to operate at right-back, left-back or in midfield.

He joined Olympique Lyonnais in August 2023 and established himself as a regular in Ligue 1. Last season, he started 28 league matches, predominantly at right-back, and also made eight appearances in the UEFA Europa League.

Overall, Maitland-Niles played 119 times for the French club across his three-year spell and contributed to 22 goals.

His move to Everton represents a return to English football for a player who developed through the domestic academy system and represented England at youth level. Maitland-Niles received his first call-up to the senior national team in August 2020.

He made his England debut against Denmark in September of that year and went on to win four more international caps.

Everton’s recruitment of Maitland-Niles adds further defensive depth while also giving manager the option of using him in several positions. The transfer was completed on the final day of the summer window, with the financial terms of the agreement not disclosed.