Everton are looking to bring in another striker in 2026, and Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju appears to be a prime target.
Everton invested in Thierno Barry over the summer, but the French forward has yet to score in the Premier League.
Barry is adjusting to life in the Premier League, though, and there have been some encouraging signs in recent games.
Beto isn’t faring much better than Barry in front of goal, meaning Everton are considering striking additions in 2026.
Ivan Toney and Joshua Zirkzee are on Everton’s radar, while the Toffees also fancy Midtjylland’s Franculino Dju.
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Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
Everton target Franculino Dju earns major praise in Denmark
Franculino has been a sensation for Midtjylland this season, smashing 19 goals in 26 games.
14 of those goals have come in Denmark’s top flight, but Franculino also destroyed Celtic in the Europa League.
Midtjylland don’t want to sell Franculino, but Everton may test that resolve with a January bid.
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Midtjylland coach Rodrigo Prieto has now told Cadena SER that he thinks Franculino has ‘incredible potential’.
Prieto noted that some may consider Franculino to be an ‘eccentric’ footballer, but he just wants to create and score goals.
Prieto also believes that this will be Franculino’s final season at Midtjylland, predicting a transfer away from the club in 2026.
“He is a different type of footballer – one of those born to be close to the goal. And he is creative,” said Prieto, as quoted by Tipsbladet.
“Many say he’s a bit eccentric, but he’s always creating something. He always gives off a sense of danger.
“He has incredible potential and no ceiling. The good thing is that we have been able to keep him, but I think this will be his last season here. With the fantastic team around him, he shines in Europe,” he added.
Everton have a great chance to scout Franculino
Everton will continue to keep tabs on Franculino ahead of the January transfer window, as he racks up the goals in Denmark.
Scoring goals in the Danish top flight is impressive, but it may not be the greatest indicator of success in the Premier League.
Franculino’s Europa League form will be crucial to Everton’s interest, and he faces a big game next week.
Midtjylland travel to take on Serie A side Roma in their next Europa League game, with Franculino surely set to start.
Beyond Everton’s connection to Roma through The Friedkin Group, this will be a great test of Franculino’s quality.
Roma have conceded just five Serie A goals this season, and four in the Europa League.
Franculino will look to prove himself against Roma’s stern defence, and Everton will be watching very, very closely.