Everton are eyeing a possible swoop for Mexican forward, who is likely to leave Fulham on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Everton’s summer recruitment plans are taking shape. David Moyes has steadied the ship at Hill Dickinson Stadium, guiding the Toffees to eighth in the Premier League table with genuine hopes of European qualification. The Friedkin Group are ready to invest, and one position is receiving particular attention.
Striker remains an area where Moyes wants more. Thierno Barry and Beto have shared duties this season, but neither has fully convinced as a consistent goal scorer. The Everton manager prefers a centre-forward who can physically dominate defenders and provide a platform for others. That profile has led the club to monitor an experienced Premier League striker whose contract is expiring.
Speaking ahead of the Burnley game, Moyes said, “I think we need more goals from them. I want my centre forwards scoring far more goals, so for them to spread that number out is good in the last games. We’ve played 28 games now, so we’re needing bigger returns from them.”
“It’s been something we’ve missed all season, but getting three at the weekend was great for us, because it’s not something we’ve done too often.”
Jimenez set to leave Fulham
Raul Jimenez is due to be out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of the campaign, meaning he will be available on a free transfer this summer. The 34-year-old Mexican international has performed well for Fulham this season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 26 Premier League appearances.
According to reports from El Futbolero citing journalist Kery Ruiz, there is little chance of Jimenez returning to his homeland after the World Cup this summer. Instead, the striker wants to prolong his time in the Premier League with another club. Ruiz reports that Jimenez believes he still has the “necessary level” to compete in the Premier League, and his representatives are already exploring options to keep him in England.
Everton are cited as a possible landing spot for Jimenez, along with Fulham’s London rivals, West Ham United. The Mexican’s desire to stay in the Premier League is said to “complicate” any talk of a return to Mexico anytime soon, with Club America, where he started his career, having been linked.
A sensible option on a free
Jimenez holds the Premier League record for the most penalties scored without missing, extending that streak with his 13th in a row against Sunderland recently. The Mexican has 67 goals in the Premier League overall, making 224 appearances for Wolves and Fulham.
His statistical profile this season is solid. Jimenez averages 0.4 goals per 90 minutes, placing him in the 94th percentile among Premier League players. His Expected Goals (xG) of 8.89 this season suggests his finishing has been in line with expectations.
It may not exactly get supporters excited, but bringing in Jimenez on a free does make a lot of sense. And if a second striker can be brought in over the summer, David Moyes’ attack would instantly be upgraded for the 2026-27 season. The Mexican’s experience, Premier League pedigree, and availability without a transfer fee make him a logical target for Everton’s recruitment team.
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