Everton Aims for Strengthening Squad as Thierno Barry Shines
Everton continues to find its footing under The Friedkin Group, whose management has brought much-needed stability off the pitch and guided the club into the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. As of November 6, David Moyes’ team sits in seventh place in the Premier League, bolstered by a recent 1-0 away victory against Newcastle United and a spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
Central to that success is Thierno Barry, the 23-year-old French striker who joined the club before the summer 2026 transfer window. Barry has participated in all nine league matches, emerging as the team’s top scorer with four goals in the Premier League and a total of eight across all competitions. His contract is secure, and he plays a pivotal role as a classic target man, anchoring the attack and allowing Moyes to depend on his presence up front.
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However, support for Barry in central positions remains scarce. Braiden Graham, a product of the academy, is the only significant alternative, as the club neglected to sign a prominent centre-forward during the summer transfer window, opting to strengthen the midfield and wings while losing Iliman Ndiaye. Consequently, Barry lacks a senior, quality backup, which raises concerns about squad depth, especially if Moyes requires a different offensive strategy. The club will need to look for reinforcements before the upcoming 2027 transfer windows.
Sport Witness has linked Everton with a potential move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque in 2027. The report indicates strong interest from the club, even amid competition from Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United. Palmeiras values the 21-year-old Brazilian at €50 million (£44 million).
Roque is not a typical number nine; he excels with his explosive speed, adept at pressing defenders and making runs into space from wide areas. Despite achieving 20 goals in 2025, he missed three months of this year due to left ankle surgery. In 2026, he has recorded nine goals and one assist in 39 appearances, accumulating 1,984 minutes on the pitch.
Although Roque’s work ethic aligns with Moyes’ defensive philosophy, the manager prefers a physically imposing forward, and any potential deal will hinge on Roque’s ability to regain his pace.
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Should Everton invest £44 million in Vitor Roque?
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 05: Vitor Roque of Palmeiras celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the 2026 Brasileirao 34th-round match between Palmeiras and Remo at Nubank Parque on November 05, 2026 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
Experts suggest that the club should reconsider committing such a substantial fee for a player whose recent career has been marred by injuries and who fits a different playing style. While The Friedkin Group has ensured financial solidity, investing £44 million in Roque poses an excessive risk, especially as Moyes relies on Barry’s robust presence to maintain the team’s effectiveness.
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Roque represents a player who prefers to maneuver freely rather than adhering to Moyes’ structured positional discipline, which includes a strong expectation for forwards to remain central. Allocating £44 million on a player of this nature might be a misdirection of funds, especially with Barry’s condition uncertain due to potential injury. The recruitment team should prioritize finding a traditional, resilient striker who can complement Barry seamlessly and help bolster the team’s thin attacking line.
