Everton gem Roman Dixon to finally ignite his career as Seamus Coleman announces exit

Everton already have a simple answer to Seamus Coleman’s departure, and it comes in the form of a talented academy product.

The 37-year-old is set to bring an end to his 17-year stay on Merseyside at the end of the season, with messages pouring in for the loyal right-back, who joined the Toffees in the summer of 2009.

It has not always been smooth sailing for the Republic of Ireland international, often being hit by lengthy lay-offs due to injury, and the 2025-26 campaign has been by far his worst.

Despite making just five appearances this term, Everton now need to sign a new right-back, with Jake O’Brien not seen as a long-term fix in the position, but the transfer market may not be needed.

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Roman Dixon, 21, has spent the second half of the season on loan with Stockport County, where he has gained real experience of the senior game, making a total of nine appearances.

It has been a rather cut-throat six months for the young right-back, but certainly an important period of his career, with many back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium hoping that it opens some doors for him.

Dixon has already made three first-team appearances for the Toffees, so it should be an easy transition for him next season, and it would certainly save Moyes a major headache during the summer window.

Some may view the move as a huge gamble, given his lack of minutes in senior football, but he should, at the very least, be part of the squad following Coleman’s decision to step away after 433 games.

Football Insider understood back in December that Everton were exploring deals to replace Coleman, so the veteran’s decision to leave at the end of this season is hardly a surprise.

Despite having an illustrious career on Merseyside, Dixon can take a lot of confidence from the 37-year-old’s early days with the Toffees.

Coleman made just seven first-team appearances before being loaned out to Blackpool in 2010, where he bagged one goal and four assists in 12 matches in the Championship.

That was a turning point for him, and Dixon’s loan spell with Stockport could signify his own turning point ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Moyes just has to have confidence in him.

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