- David Strelec has 7 goals this season in 31 appearances
- The Slovakian forward joined Middlesbrough last September
- Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Brentford are all interested
Everton has struggled up front for consistent numbers this season. Beto has found form, but Thierno Barry has struggled for consistency, and an injury to either would leave David Moyes short of options.
One name attracting serious interest from several Premier League clubs is a 25‑year‑old Slovakia international currently in the Championship.
Nottingham Forest and Everton are serious contenders for Middlesbrough frontman David Strelec this summer, as per Sportsboom. Brighton, Brentford, and other clubs are also monitoring the situation.
Strelec joined Boro from Slovan Bratislava last September for an initial £6.5m, signing a five‑year contract. Despite a season disrupted by a couple of injuries, he has netted seven times in 31 outings.
Strelec’s season and manager’s praise
Strelec has started 21 of his 31 appearances, with seven goals coming from an Expected Goals (xG) of 8.36. His playings strengths include through balls, holding up the ball, finishing, headers, and crossing. He likes to dribble and is comfortable with both feet, having scored two goals with his left, two with his right, and two headers.
Middlesbrough manager, whose side sit fourth in the Championship and could yet win promotion via the play‑offs, has spoken highly of his striker. “I see it in training all the time. For a striker, he’s very good at a lot of different things. I was very happy for him. I think he’s going to keep that up and he will be a big player for us and an important part for us over the last games.”
Why David Strelec fits Everton and the competition
For Everton, Strelec represents a relatively low‑cost, high‑upside option. He is technically proficient, strong in hold‑up play, and capable of scoring different types of goals. His dribbling ability and willingness to run at defenders would add a new dimension to Moyes’ attack. At 25, he is entering his prime and has room to develop.
Boro are determined to keep him. Strelec’s contract runs until 2030, giving the Teesside club significant leverage. However, if Middlesbrough fail to win promotion, keeping hold of the Slovakia international will be tricky. Premier League interest will be hard to resist. Everton, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, and Brentford all have the financial muscle and European ambitions to tempt him.
Everton’s advantage could be a promise of more minutes. Beto is the only established striker, and competition for places is realistic. If Moyes can offer regular minutes and the prospect of European football, Strelec may see Hill Dickinson Stadium as the ideal next step. Boro will fight to keep him, but if the bidding starts at around £10‑15m, Everton must be in the conversation.
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