It’s been a solid start to the season for David Moyes’s men, who, after an initial sluggish start to the summer window, brought in enough talent before the deadline to suggest this is a squad well placed to avoid the struggles of recent seasons.
Though the majority were pleased with the summer’s recruitment, most prominently that of Jack Grealish, an entire overhaul was unrealistic in one transfer window. January is already looming, and the chance to address issues in the squad that remain.
Perhaps the biggest grumble in the season’s opening weeks has been at centre-forward. Signed in the summer for £27m, Thierno Barry has looked rawer than expected for a player who scored 11 La Liga goals last season. The 22-year-old will be given time, but at present does not look ready to handle the demands of leading the Everton line.
Beto has been preferred for much of the season so far, but remains erratic. Last season’s purple patch has not been replicated, with one goal in seven Premier League appearances. His xG underperformance (-1.54) also makes him the fourth-most wasteful player in the division to date. Both of Everton’s number nines have looked better as impact players than from the start.
Given the significant investment of the summer – and the difficulty of finding value in January – an expensive attacking recruit looks unlikely. However, in a World Cup year where players are desperate for minutes, there could be some short-term market opportunities. Here are five players Everton could consider to sharpen up their frontline.
Ivan Toney – Al-Ahli
Rumours are circulating that Ivan Toney could pursue a Premier League return in January, as he looks to increase his chances of World Cup involvement with England next summer. The 29-year-old has scored 38 goals in 54 games since his move from Brentford to Saudi Arabia, where he helped Al-Ahli to the 2024/25 AFC Champions League.
An excellent focal point, Toney scored 36 goals in 85 top-flight games for Brentford and would represent a significant upgrade in the Everton attack.
The Saudi Pro League has two breaks scheduled, in the festive period and a Ramadan break from February to mid-March. Toney could request a short-term return to England to retain his sharpness. A move back to England would put him back in Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts.
Chris Wood – Nottingham Forest
Just a matter of months ago, the prospect of prising Chris Wood from Nottingham Forest would have been far-fetched. Wood scored 20 league goals to fire Forest into Europe, but a change of head coach could open up an opportunity.
The New Zealander looks an odd fit for Ange Postecoglou, provided the Australian can weather the early pressure from a torrid start. With summer signing Igor Jesus impressing in cup competition, the option of Wood leaving the City Ground for more minutes could materialise by January. It would represent a short-term solution for the Blues, but add much-needed presence. Wood, who is closing in on 100 Premier League goals, could also benefit the development of Barry.
Endrick – Real Madrid
When Endrick moved to Real Madrid in 2024, he was touted as arguably the most exciting talent in the game. A Brazil debutant at 17, he became the fourth-youngest player to represent the five-time world champions.
The teenager has since struggled for football in Spain, where he started just three La Liga games last season. An overall record of seven goals in all competitions highlighted his talent, but he’s yet to play a league minute this season. Having won 14 caps for Brazil, Endrick is highly rated by the Selecao. However, he needs minutes to have any chance of a World Cup place.
Richarlison – Tottenham Hotspur
The prospect of Richarlison’s return has almost continually circled ever since his exit for Tottenham in 2022. His time in North London has been plagued by injuries and spells out of favour, though the 28-year-old has started the 2025/26 campaign impressively.
Three goals in five Premier League starts have earned Thomas Frank’s trust, but with Dominic Solanke to return and Randal Kolo Muani signed in the summer, his place is far from guaranteed. A player who has rarely hidden his affection for the Blues should be one to watch if his minutes dwindle.
Joshua Zirkzee – Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee’s name continues to crop up in the Everton rumour mill. The Dutchman has been ousted at Manchester United after a heavy summer spend, following an underwhelming first season at Old Trafford. Zirkzee scored seven times in his debut year, but question marks remain over his best role.
There’s clearly a player there, with Zirkzee named Serie A’s Best Young Player in 2023/24, and his technical talent is clear. Though there is also an argument that he lacks the athleticism to truly thrive in the Premier League. A low-risk loan could work for Everton, though there are few guarantees that he improves the Toffees’ goal threat.
Reader Comments (10)
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Jake FitzGerald
1 Posted
13/10/2025 at
13:44:23
You can forget Ivan Toney even thinking about going to Everton after what happened to his parents last time he played at Goodison.
John Chambers
2 Posted
13/10/2025 at
16:40:49
Of the rest:
Wood had the season of his life last season but doesn’t look the same player this season. Scored 2 on the first day but nothing since.
Endrick played less than 6 hours football last season and hasn’t kicked a ball yet this. Can’t see him hitting the ground running in the Premier League,
Richarlison is playing regular football at Spurs. Can’t see how we could get him away from the club in January.
Zirkzee scored 3 in 32 appearances for Man Utd last season. It might put him ahead of Barry but would not seem to be an improvement on Beto, and I’m sure Utd would want a significant fee to get some money back.
I can’t offer any alternatives myself but I’m sure there must be more realistic alternatives out there.
Conor McCourt
3 Posted
13/10/2025 at
17:00:02
Firstly all of the players listed will likely be non-starters for various reasons
Secondly
By the time the window will be open the landscape could be different
Barry was always likely to take 6 months to come up to speed
Beto has still to show last seasons promise
Ndiaye scored 10 goals and 11 assists in only 49 appearances as striker prior to joining Everton so were Dibling or McNeil to excel on the right then this can be another option for the manager
Finding a low cost alternative who can come in January with a Premier League track record will be a difficult enough assignment.
My guess is that we will sell Beto next summer to free up space, something which we should have done this summer when his stock was at it’s highest
Grant Rorrison
4 Posted
13/10/2025 at
18:03:23
Especially given the fact that we lost Calvert-Lewin and it would have left us with no experienced Premier League striker if we were just signing players like Barry to replace them.
Tony Abrahams
5 Posted
13/10/2025 at
18:37:24
Bill Hawker
6 Posted
13/10/2025 at
19:15:59
No, I’m not kidding.
Robert Tressell
7 Posted
13/10/2025 at
20:05:29
And in any case, I agree with Conor (we finally got there!) that these are generally non-starters – and also that Beto might be sold next summer. He did a decent job but he’s not a very good footballer and we should be aiming for better than that now.
The only exception from the list might be Zirkzee — although he’s not really a striker. Wouldn’t surprise me if we were to get him on loan in January. That said, it would squeeze Dewsbury-Hall and Alcaraz out of the picture (to the extent anyone is particularly bothered by that).
Mike Gaynes
8 Posted
13/10/2025 at
22:05:52
My guess is they won’t be.
Derek Thomas
9 Posted
13/10/2025 at
23:03:28
Toney – No thanks
Woods – has had his DCL under Ancelotti purple patch – too old.
Endrick – Who?
Zirkzee – maybe a loan, but we’ve already got 2 that aren’t Premier League standard.
Richarlison – Spurs won’t sell or loan…I wish they would though.
Eric Myles
10 Posted
14/10/2025 at
07:12:27
Why is he even on the list?
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