- Everton have failed to recruit a high-quality number nine since selling Lukaku in 2017.
- This season, neither Thierno Barry and Beto has been able to generate consistent form.
- The Toffees have now been linked with three new potential strikers for 2026-27.
Everton’s signing of Thierno Barry was hoped to have ended their hunt for a promising number nine.
But in a season where he has struggled to hit the heights many wanted him to, the Blues have started to consider other striking options.
Their other option, Beto, has found another purple patch with the Toffees, but questions over his consistency linger.
In an attempt to at last find a consistent talisman to lead the line at Hill Dickinson Stadium, these three strikers have been linked with a move to Merseyside.
Premier League, Serie A, and Eredivisie talents linked to Everton
Liam Delap, Santiago Castro, and Troy Parrott have all been named as potential strikers that the Blues may make a move for in the summer, according to TEAMtalk.
Each striker has experienced differing seasons, but all could make moves away from their respective clubs.
| Player | Appearances – All competitions | Goals |
| Liam Delap | 37 | 2 |
| Santiago Castro | 47 | 11 |
| Troy Parrott | 45 | 30 |
Delap made his move to Chelsea from the relegated Ipswich Town, and before moving to the capital, came close to joining the Toffees.
Castro is the youngest out of the three and has played for Bologna since 2024, after switching from his boyhood club, Velez Sarsfield.
Parrott has struggled to settle down at a club in his career, and at 24 years old, he has already featured for seven teams in his senior career, but has finally found consistent form at AZ Alkmaar.
One striker would have to leave for another to come in
With a multitude of names being linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, should the Toffees recruit a new striker, it would likely mean either Barry or Beto would move away from the club.
This would be a difficult decision for Moyes as Beto has performed better than Barry this season, but the Blues’ signing from Villarreal is still young and has time to develop.
But it is not known whether Everton’s manager is planning to have a third first-team striker in his squad, and he wants to ensure he can rely on a broad choice of players to lead his attack.
The Toffees’ current attacking duo have four games remaining in the season to prove they are the right players to lead their side, but will they be able to do enough to convince Moyes not to replace them?
