Harry Diamond 03/09/2026 15comments  |  Jump to last

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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Reader Comments (15)

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Tony Abrahams
1 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.
Jack Convery
2 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:53:27
Welcome and may you flourish in the Blue of Everton.
Mark Taylor
3 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
Iain Love
4 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.
Christy Ring
5 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.
Ajay Gopal
6 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.
Minik Hansen
7 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.
Mark Ryan
8 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:56:13
A solid signing
Dale Self
10 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:35:40
That doesn't sound like scripted material. We might have someone who wants to be here. Let's give the new ones a chance,

I'm burnt out on predictions but I've got a feeling we will get some decent play from this player.
Steve Jones
12 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:43:53
He always stood out for me at Arsenal and probably better than just a right back.

Think he is an all round good footballer and should link well with midfield and the wingers, whoever they may be.

Good competition between him and Rohl.

Also decent back up from JOB and Jimmy Garner - right back sorted. Just need a young understudy in January.
Steve Brown
13 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:49:39
Steve @ 12, Ainsley begs to differ on the right back position.

"I'm a midfielder by trade, either central or on the wing, it's all the same to me. I'm not a defender, so I do get a lot of stick about my defending being poor.

"It's not where I would choose to put myself in the team, as I'm an attacking player by trade."
Sam Hoare
14 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:09:24
To be fair Steve (13) I believe those comments are from a 2019 interview and he has played right back extensively since then.
Steve Jones
15 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:01:03
Steve @ 13

His interview on main site starts with the Right Back priorities of defending and cutting out crosses.

I like him for his creative skills, energy and attacking bias. That is what we have been calling out for in the full back positions. This will help the wingers ahead of him.

He can also play left back, so will help with cover there.
Gora Ebrahim
16 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:41:51
AMN will give us balance. We will be better with him in the team.
Mike Powell
17 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:33:32
Welcome to The mad house,just give 100 per cent and the fans will back you good luck Ainsley

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