Headline: Everton Faces Striker Shortage Despite Positive Momentum Under Moyes
Everton’s quest for a spot in European football is gaining traction under manager David Moyes, yet the team faces a critical lack of depth in the striker position. Following a narrow 1-0 victory in the league and a solid 3-1 win in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle, the team’s seventh-place standing adds momentum to their campaign.
However, the striker situation is concerning. Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina for £15 million during the summer and failed to secure a last-minute deal for Folarin Balogun, leaving Thierno Barry as the sole centre-forward option for Moyes. The 23-year-old, under contract until June 2029, has scored four goals in the league and eight in all competitions this season.
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Barry has become vital to the team’s attacking strategy. Braiden Graham, an 18-year-old academy forward whose contract runs until June 2027, is currently the only internal alternative, but he lacks significant senior experience. An injury to Barry would leave Moyes without a reliable replacement.
This situation is even more pressing given Moyes’ expectations for his forwards. Everton requires a striker who can effectively press centre-backs, work diligently off the ball, and capitalize quickly on transition play. Barry provides a strong physical presence, but an additional player with speed and relentless pressing could enhance their counter-attack options.
Reports indicate that Everton might be considering a player who embodies those qualities. According to Sport Witness, citing Brazilian insider Diego Firmino, Everton has joined the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham in evaluating Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque for a potential 2027 move. Palmeiras values him at £44 million and has little incentive to negotiate, given that his contract extends until December 2029.
Palmeiras previously acquired 80% of Roque’s economic rights from Barcelona for £25.5 million, plus bonuses, while Barcelona retains a 20% sell-on clause. This hefty investment contributes to their firm stance. Roque’s performance this season has dipped, netting only nine goals and one assist in 39 appearances, a sharp decline from 20 goals and five assists in 51 matches during 2025.
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A left ankle injury required surgery, sidelining him for three months from April to July. Since his return, he has struggled to regain full match fitness and his previous explosiveness, although his work ethic and occasional goals remain valuable. His experiences at both Barcelona and Real Betis have provided him with insight into European competition.
Should Everton Commit £44m to Roque or Address Striker Depth First?
QUITO, ECUADOR – SEPTEMBER 16: Vitor Roque of Palmeiras celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores Quarter-final second leg match between LDU Quito and Palmeiras at Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium on September 16, 2026 in Quito, Ecuador. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
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While Everton might want to keep an eye on Roque, it may be unwise to make him the focal point for January targets. His ability to press and quick pace aligns with Moyes’ strategy, and a fully fit Roque could complement Barry rather than replace him. Nonetheless, his nine goals in 39 matches following surgery signal a cause for caution, rather than an assurance of recovery.
Given Palmeiras’ firm contract position and Barcelona’s sell-on clause, a significant discount appears unlikely. Investing £44 million would require a substantial commitment. The Friedkin Group should prioritize securing an experienced and available centre-forward to bolster Everton’s European ambitions, while Roque can remain on the radar; Barry cannot sustain the attacking burden alone.
