📰 Exit Confirmed: Tete Set to Walk Away on Free as Fulham Rebuild Continues…
Fulham FC have confirmed that long-serving right-back Kenny Tete will depart the club at the end of his contract on June 30, with the 29-year-old Dutchman expected to join Everton on a three-year deal.
Tete’s departure marks a key moment in Fulham’s squad transition under Marco Silva, as the club undergoes a major summer reshaping ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
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🛫 Farewell to a Reliable Figure
Tete joined Fulham from Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the most consistent and composed defenders in the side. He made 118 appearances for the Cottagers, contributing to their Championship title-winning campaign and back-to-back Premier League consolidations.
🗣️ Marco Silva: “Kenny has been a true professional on and off the pitch. We thank him for his commitment, his leadership, and the way he represented this club.”
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💬 A Message from Tete
In a statement shared on social media, Tete expressed gratitude to the club and its fans:
“My time at Fulham has been full of memories I’ll always carry with me. From the roar of the Cottage to the tough battles on the pitch, it’s been an honour. Now, it’s time for a new chapter.”
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🔵 Everton Move in Final Stages
According to sources close to the deal, Everton have already agreed personal terms with Tete, who is expected to undergo a medical on Merseyside later this week. He will become Sean Dyche’s first signing of the summer, viewed as a key reinforcement following the departure of veteran Seamus Coleman.
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🏗️ Fulham’s Rebuild Gathers Pace
Tete’s exit follows the confirmed departures of Willian and Carlos Vinícius, as Fulham look to reduce their wage bill and introduce younger talent. Fulham are actively pursuing replacements, with Mads Hermansen (Brøndby) and Igor Vujacic (Rubin Kazan) among the names being scouted.
This move also paves the way for younger right-back Luc De Fougerolles to push into the first-team picture during preseason.
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📸 Final Farewell
Tete was pictured at Motspur Park earlier today, waving to staff and teammates before departing with a signed Fulham jersey under his arm.
A small banner in the training ground read:
“Once a Cottager, Always a Cottager.”
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⚫⚪ Fulham fans say goodbye to a warrior — as the club turns the page to its next generation.
🔵📰 Official: Kenny Tete Signs for Everton on Free Transfer
Everton Football Club have officially announced the signing of Dutch right-back Kenny Tete on a three-year contract, following the expiration of his deal with Fulham. The 29-year-old joins the Toffees on a free transfer, becoming Sean Dyche’s first signing of the summer window.
Tete will wear the No. 22 shirt and was unveiled this morning at Finch Farm, where he posed with club director Kevin Thelwell and manager Sean Dyche.
🗣️ Dyche: “Kenny brings the right experience, hunger, and defensive discipline we need. He’s a Premier League-ready full-back, and we’re pleased to bring him in as we strengthen the spine of this team.”
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📸 Unveiled in Blue
In the club’s reveal video titled “Steel Meets Style”, Tete is shown walking through the tunnels of Goodison Park before turning to face the camera and saying:
“Let’s get to work.”
Photos of Tete in the new Everton home kit quickly made the rounds on social media, with fans praising the club’s proactive business.
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🎙️ First Interview: Kenny Tete on Joining Everton
Q: Kenny, welcome to Everton. What does this move mean to you?
🔁 “It’s a fresh challenge. Everton is a big club with history and passion. I’m ready to give my all and fight for this badge.”
Q: Why Everton?
🔁 “The conversations I had with the manager convinced me. I know what he expects: work rate, toughness, and discipline. That suits my style perfectly.”
Q: What are your ambitions here?
🔁 “To help the club climb higher. We belong in the top half. I want to bring stability to the backline and push this team forward.”
Q: Any message to the Everton fans?
🔁 “I’ll give you everything, every match. I’m here to work and to win. Let’s build something strong together.”
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⚽ What’s Next?
Tete is expected to join preseason training next week and could debut in Everton’s friendly against Real Betis in early July. His arrival may signal the end of Everton’s long-standing right-back reliance on Seamus Coleman, who is now expected to take a coaching role.
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🔵 From Craven Cottage to Goodison Park — Kenny Tete is ready to bring grit, class, and composure to Merseyside.
🏆 Kenny Tete’s Achievements with Fulham (2020–2025)
Position: Right-back
Appearances: 118
Goals: 3
Assists: 12
Clean Sheets Contributed: 35
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✅ 1. Promotion Hero (2021–22)
Tete played a key role in Fulham’s Championship-winning 2021–22 season under Marco Silva. His defensive solidity and overlapping runs were instrumental as the Cottagers finished top of the table, securing a return to the Premier League in style.
🗣️ “Kenny gave us both structure and width — a vital part of that promotion side.” – Marco Silva
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✅ 2. Premier League Consistency (2022–2025)
Across three consecutive Premier League seasons, Tete was Fulham’s most consistent right-back, known for his 1v1 defending, positional awareness, and calmness under pressure. He was particularly outstanding in the 2022–23 season, when Fulham achieved their highest league finish (9th) since 2011.
🔹 Notable Match:
Fulham 1–0 Chelsea (2023) – Tete pocketed Raheem Sterling and made a last-ditch clearance in the 88th minute to seal a famous derby win.
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✅ 3. Leadership & Experience
Though never officially club captain, Tete was widely respected in the dressing room for his professionalism and experience. He mentored young defenders such as Luc De Fougerolles and often led the team out in pre-season and cup matches.
🗣️ “Kenny always carried himself with class — a quiet leader who led by example.” – Tom Cairney
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✅ 4. European Push Contribution (2024–25)
In what would be his final season, Tete helped Fulham to a top-half finish and a Carabao Cup semi-final run — the club’s best domestic cup performance in over a decade. His assist tally (5) and key defensive moments were crucial during this strong campaign.
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🖤 Legacy at Craven Cottage
• Club Favourite: Consistently applauded by fans for his dedication and composure
• Reliable Performer: Rarely injured, tactically flexible, and always dependable in big games
• Fan Quote: “He might not be the loudest, but he was always there when it mattered. Kenny Tete gave us five great years.”
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Kenny Tete leaves Fulham as one of the most underrated but appreciated defenders in recent club history — a modern professional who delivered quietly but consistently.
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