Everton now reportedly want to sign Nicolas Jackson in an attempt to solve their goalscoring problems and take full advantage of Bayern Munich's £70m decision.
The Toffees are so nearly the side that David Moyes needs. They welcomed the likes of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling in the summer to inject some much-needed creative spark. In many ways, it was almost the perfect summer transfer window for the Friedkin Group.
All the American owners are waiting for now is Thierno Barry. The summer arrival is yet to score a single goal in 11 appearances since taking his place among Everton's most expensive ever signings and is in danger of becoming a transfer flop. At a time when Beto is also struggling, the Toffees need their £27m star to start performing.
PL stats 25/26 Beto Barry
Minutes 563 252
Goals 1 0
Assists 0 0
Expected Goals 3.9 0.5
The numbers don't make for pretty reading. Beto's underperformance can be highlighted by looking at his expected goals. The forward can't complain about service and has had good enough chances to reach at least three goals compared to the reality of his one strike.
Barry, meanwhile, needs more opportunities. Moyes has handed the former Villarreal forward just 252 minutes of Premier League action so far this season and, in contrast to Beto, he has recorded just 0.5 expected goals. Whilst Beto hasn't been clinical enough, Everton aren't creating enough chances for Barry.
ivan-toney
The truth is that neither striker may get the opportunity to solve the Toffees' problem in the near future. Names such as Ivan Toney have already been mentioned as reported targets come 2026 and he's now joined on Everton's shortlist by a £70m man. One way or another, those in Merseyside look destined to welcome another forward.
Everton now targeting Nicolas Jackson swoop
As reported by Football Insider, Everton now want to sign Nicolas Jackson by taking full advantage of Bayern Munich's decision to opt out of triggering their £70m buy clause.
The forward's loan spell at the German club will become permanent if he starts 40 games, but Bayern chief Uli Hoeness confirmed at the start of the season that Jackson is incredibly unlikely to reach that number.
"The player and his agent contribute for €3m, so we pay €13.5m loan fee. There will definitely not be a permanent contract. That only happens if he plays 40 games from the start, it will never happen." (Hoeness)
What that does is swing the door open for Everton to make their move when the 24-year-old returns to Chelsea next summer.
Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium should not share the same reservations as Bayern Munich about signing Jackson, either. He is still very much a player full of potential and someone who knows how to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored 10 goals last season and 14 in the campaign prior.
Described as "fantastic" by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca last season, Everton should jump at the chance to sign Jackson next year.
How Richarlison feels about returning to Everton in January