Ever since his arrival as Everton boss in January 2025, David Moyes has constantly been trying to identify the best solution to the club's attacking issues.
From big-money additions like Tyler Dibling and academy talents such as Harrison Armstrong, many have tried, but ultimately struggled to match the demands placed upon them.
Both are undoubtedly young prospects with huge futures, but their lack of cutting edge in attacking areas saw the club register just 47 league goals last term - the fifth lowest of any side in the Premier League.
Tyler Dibling for Everton-1
Iliman Ndiaye, who netted six of the aforementioned goals, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal - which could pose another huge blow to Moyes' side.
However, regardless of the Senegalese star's potential deal away from Merseyside, one other player should be nowhere near the manager’s starting eleven next term.
Why time could be up for Beto at Everton this summer
Despite ending last season as Everton's top Premier League scorer on nine goals, the feeling around Merseyside this summer is that an upgrade is desperately needed on Beto.
The Guinea-Bissau international has spent three years at the club after joining from Udinese for around £25m - but it’s safe to say he's not reached the heights many anticipated.
Beto
He’s only netted 20 league goals in his 97 appearances, with the attacker failing to start more than 20 top-flight matches since his move in the summer of 2023.
Supporters have often been left frustrated by the 28-year-old in recent times, with his stats from last campaign highlighting his struggles in forward areas.
Fewest PL passes per 90 for Everton (2025/26)
Player
Beto
Theirno Barry
Dwight McNeil
Jake O'Brien
Jordan Pickford
Tim Iroegbunam
Iliman Ndiaye
Jack Grealish
Beto’s stature has seen him need to operate as a target man to play off, but his measly tally of just seven passes per 90 at an accuracy rate of 62% highlights his struggles.
He’s also not been strong enough in fending off the opposition in recent times, subsequently being dispossessed by the opposition a staggering 1.6 times per 90.
Beto in action for Everton
All three of the aforementioned figures place him in the bottom 15% of all attackers in the Premier League - subsequently highlighting why Moyes' men need a new focal point this summer.
How Everton can land a star to replace Beto this summer
Despite his poor performances over recent months at the Hill Dickinson, Everton striker Beto has been touted with a move to join fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
Such a move could free up crucial funds for Moyes and the hierarchy to finally land a top-level replacement for the 28-year-old ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Everton manager David Moyes before the matchREUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
The recruitment team have been conducting work on a number of options in recent weeks, with Chelsea star Liam Delap a name who continues to be linked with the Toffees.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Moyes’ men have already been in talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a summer switch to Merseyside.
They also claim that Leeds United and Newcastle United are two other clubs closely monitoring the 23-year-old’s progress, with a £40m fee mooted for his signature.
The Toffees faithful may be sceptical over a deal for Delap given his measly tally of just one Premier League goal last term - but he’s previously demonstrated his ability to thrive in such a division.
He netted 12 goals in just 37 appearances for Ipswich Town a year prior to a move to Stamford Bridge - subsequently netting more in a single top-flight campaign than Beto has at Everton.
His underlying stats from last season do highlight some key assets to his game - with many of his subsequent figures a level above those produced by the current Toffees number nine.
Delap achieved a higher pass completion rate in the Premier League throughout 2025/26, whilst also managing to register more chances created for his teammates per 90.
The aforementioned figures showcase his quality in possession and could see Moyes finally secure the target man he craves in his 4-2-3-1 system on Merseyside.
The Chelsea talisman also managed to complete 77% of his attempted dribbles - with such a tally over two-times higher than that of Beto in England’s top-flight.
Delap’s dominance over the 28-year-old also comes in what he can offer the Toffees, as the youngster has gained a reputation for his runs in behind the backline - subsequently stretching the opposition.
Beto has very rarely been able to offer such an all-round skillset in attacking areas - undoubtedly leading to the club’s hunt for a new talisman this summer.
Everton striker Beto
£40m for a player like Delap after his struggles last season could prove to be a risk, but there’s no denying he’s a player who has showcased his talents in such a division in years gone by.
If he can recapture his form from his time at Ipswich, there’s no reason why he can’t become a fan-favourite at the Hill Dickinson and finally send Beto packing after three years at the club.
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