REUTERS/Ian Hodgson
Everton are in dire need of a new striker, after failing to bring in a replacement for Beto on deadline day.
The Guinea-Bissau international signed for Fiorentina, leaving Thierno Barry as David Moyes' only centre-forward, and the Frenchman has put in some decent performances during the early stages of the campaign, picking up six goals in nine matches across all competitions.
Thierno Barry's record Appearances Goals
SK Beveren 33 20
Villarreal 37 11
FC Basel 41 20
Everton 50 14
However, having previously gone six Premier League games undefeated, the Toffees were found out at the weekend, with Chelsea picking up a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium courtesy of a brace from Pedro Neto.
A lack of creativity was a major problem for the hosts, who finished the game with an xG of just 0.43, compared to 1.47 from Xabi Alonso's side, and it was a day to forget for Barry, who missed one big chance and completed just three passes in the entire match.
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Troy Deeney has made it clear he isn't a big fan of the 24-year-old, saying: "Apparently, at the start of the season, Moyes said that [Barry] was working with a mental coach to concentrate more.
"At the start of the season he was scoring goals and it was obviously working. I think if you're a professional footballer that has to work on concentration there's genuinely an issue, especially as a striker. Wouldn't put your money on him getting 15 to 20 goals. I think he could potentially be a problem long term because you're going to have to play him through these moments."
With that in mind, it may be a savvy move for Moyes to bring in an upgrade on Barry during the January transfer window, and the Toffees are now considering a move for a striker who has been in fantastic form this season.
Everton planning move for Dion Beljo
REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
According to a report from Football Insider, Everton are now plotting a winter move for Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Beljo, with signing a new centre-forward regarded as a priority in the mid-season transfer window.
However, the Croatian, who bagged a whopping 38 goals in all competitions last season, remains under contract with Dinamo Zagreb until 2030, so it may take a big offer to tempt his current employers into a sale.
The 24-year-old has picked up where he left off last season during the 2026-27 campaign, netting 15 goals in as many games across all competitions, while also chipping in with seven assists.
Rapid Vienna sporting director Markus Katzer has waxed lyrical about the Zagreb-born marksman too, saying: "He's relatively agile for his size and also technically gifted. He can hold the ball up well, which often leads to attacks into the final third through him. We need that element for our game. And the most crucial thing for a number nine like him is that he scores goals."
Having also been compared to Manchester City star Erling Haaland by scout Jacek Kulig, Beljo could be exactly what Everton need, although signing him would be a bit of a gamble, as he is yet to prove himself in one of Europe's top leagues.