Everton and West Ham United are reportedly engaged in a transfer tussle over Burnley defender Maxime Estève, a 22-year-old French center-back earning £40,000 per week. Following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, Estève has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Everton and West Ham. Both clubs have initiated preliminary discussions to secure his services.
Estève joined Burnley from Montpellier in January on an initial loan deal, which was later made permanent for £10 million. He quickly became a regular starter under manager Vincent Kompany, making 16 Premier League appearances in the 2024–25 season. Despite Burnley’s defensive struggles, Estève’s individual performances have been noteworthy. Former Leeds United midfielder and current pundit David Prutton described him as a “Premier League player in the waiting,” highlighting his maturity and consistency.
Everton’s interest in Estève is partly influenced by manager Sean Dyche’s previous connections with Burnley, where he managed from 2012 to 2022. This relationship could provide Everton with an advantage in negotiations. The Toffees are looking to bolster their defense, especially with the potential departure of key players.
West Ham, under new management, are also keen on strengthening their backline. Estève’s versatility and potential make him an attractive option for the Hammers as they aim to improve their defensive record in the upcoming season.
In addition to Estève, West Ham have shown interest in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, whose contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025. Brownhill has been a consistent performer for Burnley, and his potential availability on a free transfer has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs.
As the summer transfer window approaches, both Everton and West Ham are expected to intensify their efforts to secure Estève’s signature. Burnley, aiming to rebuild after relegation, may be open to negotiations, especially if they can secure favorable terms for their assets.
The competition between Everton and West Ham for Estève underscores the demand for promising defensive talents in the Premier League. With both clubs eager to strengthen their squads, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Estève’s next destination.
