Photo from evertonfc.com

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has said he has signed for Everton to win something and is confident the squad can achieve success.

Maitland-Niles arrived from Lyon for a fee in the region of £4m on deadline day, with the versatile defender offering a solution to the problem right-back role.

The 29-year-old returns to the Premier League after three seasons in France and said he wants to become part of the club’s ‘history’ by ending the trophy drought.

“I’m happy it’s finally done. I’m happy to be here and get cracking. It’s been a long time coming,” he told evertonfc.com.

“It’s a huge club historically – they’ve won a lot – and I want to be a part of the history and win something.

“I want to get cracking as soon as possible and show my talents on the pitch. I want to be the best player I can be, try to win more trophies, and make my teammates around me better.

“It’s a new chapter [at Everton] and it can bring great things. Honestly, if we just put our heels down on the floor and really go for it, it could be something special.

“The squad, the players, the ability we have here, we can – for sure – bring something special.”

Maitland-Niles is expected to feature predominantly at right-back for the Blues, but has experience at left-back and in central midfield. He believes his versatility can be valuable and outlined what the fans can expect from him as a full-back.

“Defensive duties first, trying to stop crosses and goals happening. I’d say some forward runs, assists, goals and hopefully a lot of energy down that right side.

“I feel I have more of an understanding of the game, knowing I can play in other positions. I understand what my midfielders need from me. Full-backs, centre-backs and wingers as well.”

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 Posted
03/09/2026 at
11:50:03

Good luck Kid, especially because you talk about doing something that this club, has long forgotten about.

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
11:53:27

Welcome and may you flourish in the Blue of Everton.

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
11:56:55

The versatility will be handy given the lack of squad depth but I’m pretty sure AMN was not even close to the first choice right back we had in mind.

I guess the first step is to pass the low bar that is being better than Patterson

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
12:35:44

Always liked him as a player and he will give us balance. 29 isn’t to old. Him and Norgard are very important signings. Shame we didn’t get a striker but £40m on a stroppy yank with a fitness issue might be a bullet dodged.

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
13:28:44

He was good and versatile at Arsenal, we tried to sign him a few years back, wish him the best and hopefully can solve our right back problems.

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
13:31:58

Iain (4), a case of sour grapes? 🙂

But on Maitland-Niles, hopefully the incompetents have stumbled onto a hidden gem. I wish him all the very best in the blue shirt. May Norgaard and AM-N surprise us all this season. If Barry is wrapped in cotton wool after every game, maybe he can drag us until the January transfer window.

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
15:53:36

I for one am happy that we got Maitland-Niles. It’s a start for a good RB solution.

 Posted
03/09/2026 at
15:56:13

A solid signing

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