FT
Tottenham HotspurTOT
1 - 0
EvertonEVE
Sun 24 May

Everton consider Fulham forward on free transfer but short-term fix may not be the answer

Shumail SajidShumail Sajid
Share
  • Raul Jimenez has scored 9 goals this season.
  • Mexican forward is looking to stay in the Premier League next season.
  • Club America from Mexico is also interested.

Everton had a fair share of attacking problems this season. Beto has found form lately, but he struggled at the start of the season. Thierno Barry, who scored a brace in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City has been inconsistent for the most part of the season.

Now, Everton are among the clubs eyeing Raul Jimenez this summer. The 35-year-old Mexican striker is out of contract at Fulham at the end of the campaign and will be available on a free transfer. Club America from his home country, Mexico, is also interested.

Raul Jimenez has scored nine Premier League goals in 34 appearances this season, adding three assists. Reports suggest he 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.

Raul Jimenez situation and Everton’s striker puzzle

Fulham do want to renew the player’s contract but negotiations are not progressing. Jimenez said earlier about his future: “It depends a lot on what Fulham decides, on negotiations, on an offer being made, and then we’ll analyse what’s best.”

Everton needs a reliable goalscorer. Beto has found form, but Thierno Barry has been inconsistent. A free transfer for a proven Premier League striker makes financial sense. Jimenez has rich Premier League experience to his name and would add a quality dimension to a relatively young attack. However, he turns 36 next season. His body has been through serious injuries, and while he has recovered well, expecting him to lead the line week in, week out is a massive ask.

Everton can add youth to Jimenez’s experience

At 35, Jimenez would only be a short‑term fix. While he still offers quality and experience, investing in a player of his age may not be the best long‑term answer for a club building towards sustained European football.

If Everton do bring in Raul Jimenez, the smarter move would be to pair him with a younger striker who can learn from him and gradually take over. The likes of promising academy forward Braiden Graham could hugely benefit from Jimenez’s experience. Graham has been prolific for the Under‑21s, scoring 14 goals in Premier League 2 this season, and has been knocking on the first‑team door.

Bringing in Raul Jimenez on a free does make a lot of sense, as it may not get supporters excited but it addresses an immediate need. And if a second, younger striker can be brought in over the summer, David Moyes’ attack would instantly be upgraded for the 2026-27 season.

Raul Jimenez could serve as a mentor and a rotation option, helping Everton compete on multiple fronts if they qualify for Europe. But relying on him as the main man would be short‑sighted. The pragmatic approach is to sign Jimenez for his know‑how and goal threat, but also invest in a younger forward. Maybe let Braiden Graham learn from one of the Premier League’s toughest men.

matchday.

#TeamPGDPts
10
ChelseaCHE
38+652
11
FulhamFUL
38-452
12
Newcastle UnitedNEW
38-249
13
EvertonEVE
38-349
14
Leeds UnitedLEE
38-747
15
Crystal PalaceCRY
38-1045
16
Nottingham ForestNFO
38-344

Shumail Sajid is a dedicated and expert writer covering various teams, most recently, Everton, with a keen eye for team developments, match analysis, and the latest news. With three years of experience as a football writer, he provides interesting, insightful coverage that resonate with fans. Beyond writing, he is a passionate football follower, frequently attending matches and exploring football culture. Follow his work for in-depth yet fan-friendly analysis, and feel free to share your thoughts, even if you disagree! Connect with him on @shumail1434 on X

View all articles →
dave.sport

dave.sport is in beta

We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.

Explore the beta
Discover more from Read Everton

Add Read Everton as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting.

Follow
Keep Reading

Rooney, Fellaini, Lukaku: Why Everton fans fear history repeating itself

related.