Everton have stabilised under David Moyes, but after a disappointing end to the 2025/26 season, fans are anxious to see the right players welcomed to the Hill Dickinson this summer.
In truth, the Toffees petered out, and while they recorded a comfortable mid-table finish, there are a multiplexity of issues for Moyes to iron out: Everton's hodgepodge backline needs a natural right-back, the midfield needs more dynamism, the frontline needs to be sharper.
Had things transpired differently at the business end, it's not out of the question that Everton might have secured a ticket onto the European train, but instead, the Merseysiders have failed, on paper, to advance and cover new ground in the Premier League.
Everton's Recent Premier League Finishes
Season
25/26
24/25
23/24
22/23
21/22*
Moyes' principles have been firmly rooted in Everton soil once again, but now the squad need to make headway, and it's clear that the right forward could make a world of difference in closing down those ahead of them in the European places next year.
Everton leading race for prolific striker
It's frustrating, but perhaps unsurprising, that rumours of Iliman Ndiaye's potential departure are surfacing at the start of summer. The Senegalese forward is one of the best in the business, and if he goes, Everton will need to find a new attacking superstar.
Thierno Barry and Beto both jockey for a place at the front of Everton's attack, but neither has cemented themselves as a reliable and consistent goalscorer under Moyes' wing.
Everton could do with a top winger, not just Jack Grealish, but a focal frontman would go down a treat too.
According to Sports Boom, that man could be Feyenoord's Ayase Ueda, with the Toffees understood to be leading Brighton and Leeds United in the race for the prolific marksman, who has been valued at £30m.
ayase-ueda-feyenoord
Everton are preparing an offer in the region of £20m. It is expected that the Eredivisie side will reject such an approach, but that suggests the Merseysiders are very much serious in their interest, and that a second offer for Ueda may be forthcoming.
Everton have struggled to provide their fans with consistent goalscorers over the past decade. Ueda could change that, becoming their finest striker since the days of Romelu Lukaku.
Why Ueda can be Everton's best striker since Lukaku
Ueda, 27, has developed into one of the most underrated goalscorers in Europe since the start of the 2025/26 season. After two so-so years in the Netherlands, he has returned 25 goals from 31 Eredivisie matches.
What's more, Ueda has ticked a lot of tactical boxes in regard to Moyes' preferences from his forwards: he is hard-working, tenacious and physical, winning 5.6 duels on average each game.
Whether Ueda hits the ground running in the Premier League remains to be seen, but he has the skills to do so, potentially establishing himself as Everton's finest centre-forward since Lukaku.
The Belgian forward is one of the most notable strikers of his generation, and while he has enjoyed something of a nomadic career, his time at Everton still stands out, having scored 68 Premier League goals for the Goodison Park side.
Everton Top Scorers in Premier League History
Player
Romelu Lukaku
Duncan Ferguson
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Tim Cahill
Kevin Campbell
Ueda is not quite the same as a forward, but he offers a varied attacking style to complement his innate finishing ability. Manfully getting stuck in against tough defenders and exploding into the penalty area, the Japan international has the potential to bring back the Lukaku-esque style that has probably been missing on Merseyside in recent years.
Crucially, he is further in his development than someone like Barry, who has looked raw throughout his debut campaign in the Premier League.
This could be a shrewd but significant signing for Everton as they work their way toward the top half of the table. Ueda is an excellent aerial duellist and would provide Everton with a more robust scoring presence in the final third. He is exactly what they need.
ueda-leeds
While Barry remains an interesting option at number nine, it feels like a more prolific forward such as Ueda could make a big difference. It's a deal that Everton need to get over the line.
Everton must not let their improved position get away from them. With the right alterations this summer, Moyes could mount a genuine European charge.
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