MusaDespite growing concerns among some Everton supporters over the club’s summer transfer business, David Moyes has overseen an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The Scottish manager remains unbeaten in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup so far, guiding the Toffees into seventh place in the league while also securing a fourth-round League Cup meeting with Newcastle United.
Everton’s defensive performances have been particularly encouraging, with three clean sheets from their opening five league matches leaving them with one of the strongest defensive records among the 20 Premier League clubs.
However, if Moyes’ side are to continue their excellent start and challenge consistently throughout the season, strengthening one particular area of the squad will be essential.
Why Everton need another striker
Everton’s need for another centre-forward became increasingly obvious after Beto completed his permanent transfer to Fiorentina late in the summer window.
The Toffees appeared set to replace him with Folarin Balogun, having reportedly reached an agreement with AS Monaco for the American striker. However, a late change of heart saw the proposed £40 million transfer collapse before deadline day.
That left Thierno Barry as Moyes’ only established senior centre-forward option.
The 23-year-old has made an excellent start to the campaign, scoring five goals in his first seven appearances across all competitions. However, relying heavily on one striker for the entire 2026/27 season could prove difficult, particularly as the schedule becomes more demanding.
With the transfer window now closed until January 1, Everton’s options are limited. Any addition before then would need to be a free agent, and former Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi has emerged as one potential solution.
The 33-year-old is currently without a club after leaving the Turkish side at the end of last season. Despite his departure, Icardi finished his time in Turkey in impressive form, scoring 14 goals in just 12 Super Lig starts.
His experience and proven goalscoring ability could provide Moyes with the extra attacking option he currently lacks. It could also give Barry the opportunity to learn from an established striker with considerable experience at the highest level.
Everton’s potential Richarlison alternative
While speculation surrounding a possible short-term deal for Icardi continues, some Everton supporters are still holding out hope of seeing former fan favourite Richarlison return to Merseyside.
Reports on deadline day claimed Everton had been in advanced discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over a deal for the Brazilian, with Iliman Ndiaye potentially moving in the opposite direction.
However, Manchester City’s intervention in the deal for Ndiaye disrupted the proposed transfer, leaving Everton unable to complete an agreement before the summer window closed.
Richarlison has since used social media to express his desire to return to Merseyside, keeping the possibility of a future comeback alive.
Nevertheless, another name has emerged as a potential attacking target for Everton ahead of January.
The Toffees have reportedly been linked with RB Leipzig forward Conrad Harder, who has been valued at around £22 million.
The Danish international was strongly linked with a move to Leeds United during the summer before eventually joining French club Strasbourg on loan for the 2026/27 campaign.
Despite his current temporary spell in Ligue 1, reports have suggested that Everton could explore a potential move for the striker when the January window opens.
At only 21 years of age, Harder still has significant room for development, but he has already shown that he possesses the quality required to compete at a high level in European football.
For Everton, bringing in a player of his profile could provide Moyes with another long-term attacking option while reducing the pressure currently placed on Barry.
Musa
