Freiburg plot move for Everton’s Reece Welch as contract runs down
Freiburg have identified Everton defender Reece Welch as a potential free‑transfer signing at the end of the season, according to sources familiar with the situation. The 22‑year‑old, a former England Under‑20 international, is out of contract this summer and is expected to leave the club he joined as an 11‑year‑old.
Welch has trained with Everton’s first team this season and could make his Premier League debut before the campaign concludes. With no new deal on the table, he will be able to assess his options as a free agent from the end of June, with clubs already alerted to his availability.
Sources say Freiburg are keen to add a young centre‑back to develop next season and have moved into contention for Welch, who is understood to be no longer in Everton’s long‑term plans. Interest in the defender is not limited to Germany: in February, he was in talks over a move away from Everton but remained after a deal could not be agreed.
Hibernian opened discussions at that time, with Aberdeen also interested, while EFL sides Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday expressed an interest but did not reach an agreement with Everton. Despite his long association with the club, Welch has made just three senior appearances for Everton and has yet to play in the Premier League.
Loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and, more recently, Belgian side KMSK Deinze did not lead to a sustained breakthrough, though he has been named on the bench multiple times this season and continues to train with the senior squad. With his contract expiring, sources expect Welch to draw offers from clubs in England and Scotland as well as Freiburg.
A free‑transfer move would simplify negotiations after February’s talks faltered, and the German club has emerged as a leading candidate to secure his signature.