MusaEverton’s failure to complete a deadline-day deal for Folarin Balogun has left David Moyes with a clear gap to address, and the club is expected to make another serious attempt to strengthen its attack when the January transfer window opens.
A second move for Balogun now appears increasingly unlikely. BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould has suggested that another attempt to sign the Monaco striker is “highly unlikely”, with Everton expected to have already started exploring alternative targets.
That leaves the Toffees with an interesting group of potential options. Some players have already been monitored by Everton, while others were contacted when the Balogun deal began to fall apart. All five have previously been connected with a possible move to Goodison Park.
With Thierno Barry currently the only recognised senior centre-forward available to Moyes, these are five strikers Everton could potentially revisit in January.
Younes Ebnoutalib – the £50m Bundesliga target
Younes Ebnoutalib is arguably one of the most intriguing names on Everton’s radar after the club was linked with an interest in the 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker.
Ebnoutalib has made an impressive start to the Bundesliga campaign, with his performances quickly increasing his profile. Reports have even suggested that his current valuation could be around £50m.
His emergence has been particularly rapid, and his profile appears to fit the type of player Everton have increasingly looked to recruit under The Friedkin Group. At 23, Ebnoutalib still has significant room for development while also offering potential resale value.
The major concern, however, would be the cost. If he continues performing at his current level between now and January, his asking price could rise even further, while Everton would likely face competition from several clubs.
Conrad Harder – Everton continue to monitor him
Conrad Harder remains another name to keep an eye on. The 21-year-old Denmark international has continued to be linked with Everton since the summer, with the club reportedly maintaining an interest in his development.
Harder is spending the current season with Strasbourg after joining from RB Leipzig, and his progress is being monitored closely.
Signing him would represent a different approach to bringing in an established Premier League striker. Everton would essentially be investing in what Harder could become rather than simply what he can offer immediately.
However, that strategy fits with the club’s recent willingness to invest in younger players. Everton have previously done their homework on Harder, and reports indicate that their interest has not completely disappeared.
If Moyes and the recruitment team step up their search for a striker in January, Harder is already a familiar name.
Troy Parrott – could Everton bring him back?
Troy Parrott has enjoyed an impressive revival since leaving English football, with his goals for AZ Alkmaar putting him firmly back on the radar of clubs in the Premier League.
Everton have previously been linked with the Republic of Ireland international, who is still only 24 despite having been in the spotlight for several years.
A return to England would see Parrott come back as a much more developed striker than the youngster who struggled to establish himself at Tottenham. His regular football in the Netherlands has helped him develop, while his performances for Ireland have further strengthened his reputation.
That could make him an appealing option for Everton. Parrott is entering an important stage of his career, already has experience of English football and could see a move to the Premier League as an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
Joshua Zirkzee – Everton already made an approach
There is less uncertainty surrounding Joshua Zirkzee because Everton actually attempted to sign the Manchester United forward on deadline day after their pursuit of Balogun encountered problems.
The deal ultimately failed to materialise, but Everton’s approach is significant because it showed that Zirkzee was already viewed as a realistic alternative by the club.
His situation could be different by January, particularly if he continues to struggle for guaranteed regular playing time. Should an opportunity become available, Everton would already have a good understanding of the player and what he could potentially bring to Moyes’ attack.
Tammy Abraham – the experienced option
Tammy Abraham was another striker Everton approached during their frantic deadline-day search after the Balogun deal began to collapse.
Although no agreement was reached, the interest means Abraham should not be dismissed as a potential January option.
At 29, Abraham would provide a completely different profile compared with younger targets such as Ebnoutalib and Harder. Instead of potential and long-term development, Everton would be acquiring experience, including a proven record of scoring goals in the Premier League and playing for major clubs across Europe.
Whether a deal would be financially realistic in January remains unclear. However, Everton’s previous approach means Abraham is more than just another name circulating in the transfer rumours.
Everton’s January striker decision
There is still plenty of football to be played before the January transfer window opens, and there is currently no indication that Everton are negotiating deals for any of these five players.
What is clear is that Everton wanted another striker before the summer window closed but were ultimately unable to complete a deal.
If Giulia Bould’s information proves correct and Balogun is no longer considered a realistic target, Everton will need to explore other possibilities.
Ebnoutalib, Harder and Parrott would provide younger options with room for development, while Zirkzee and Abraham offer something different, having already been approached by Everton.
The bigger question for Moyes and the club may therefore not be whether they need another centre-forward, but which type of striker they decide to pursue.
Five players already have links to Everton. January will reveal whether any of those connections develop into something more concrete.
Musa
