Thierno Barry for Everton
Thierno Barry for Everton
Angus Kinnear has become a man under pressure at Everton over the last couple of months, and it’s hardly a surprise given the struggles of the summer window.
He was part of the hierarchy that originally agreed to allow Harrison Armstrong to join Nottingham Forest this summer, until a deal was cancelled after backlash from supporters.
The lack of additions made was another issue for the fanbase on Merseyside, but he did actually make the right call in allowing one first-team member to depart for pastures new.
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3 Why Everton struck gold offloading Beto this summer
The centre-forward department was an area many Everton fans expected to be bolstered, but instead manager David Moyes was left with fewer options within the final third.
A deal to sign Folarin Balogun fell apart at the 11th hour, which would have seen the American international arrive on Merseyside to replace the departed Beto.
Everton striker Beto
Everton striker Beto
The Toffees allowed the Guinea-Bissau star to depart for Fiorentina in a deal worth a reported £14.5m, leaving Moyes’ side with just one senior centre-forward.
However, it’s safe to say the 28-year-old has struggled to hit the ground running in Italy, subsequently failing to score in any of his first five games for his new club.
During such a period, he’s only registered a single shot on target, whilst ranking in the bottom 5% of all centre-forwards in Europe for his shot on target accuracy rate.
His inability to lead the line has further been reflected in his measly 56% pass completion rate, which, like his shooting stats, has been beaten by 95% of players in his position across the continent.
2 Why Everton need a new striker to replace Barry
As a result of Beto’s departure during the summer window, Thierno Barry has been left as Everton’s only centre-forward option until January at the very earliest.
He’s since started all seven games in the Premier League this term and netted three times to date - with such a figure the highest of any player in Moyes’ squad.
Thierno Barry for Everton-2
Thierno Barry for Everton-2
However, it’s safe to say such numbers don’t tell the full story, as the Frenchman has actually struggled during key moments of crucial games in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old has missed 11 big chances during his seven appearances this campaign, with the aforementioned figure currently the most of any player in the Premier League.
Such a figure is also five more than any player in England’s top-flight this campaign, which further showcases his lacklustre and wasteful nature in front of goal.
Most big chances missed in the PL (2026/27)
Rank
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4
5
6
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8
He’s also registered the most headed shots of any player in the division throughout 2026/27, but only directed three of which on target - with his lack of quality costing the Toffees in key matches.
1 How Everton can land a mega Barry upgrade this winter
Even though the winter window doesn’t open until the start of January, Everton already have the foundations in place to make a move for various attacking targets.
Over the last couple of weeks, Rennes star Esteban Lepaul has been mentioned as one possible target after netting 27 goals in his last 39 appearances in Ligue 1.
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However, the French international isn’t the only player currently in their sights, as Club Brugge centre-forward Nicolo Tresoldi has been touted as another option.
It’s been reported by Belgian publication Het Laatste Niuews that the Toffees sent scouts to watch the German U21 international in action against Lens on Wednesday.
However, they aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 22-year-old, as the likes of Newcastle United, Leeds United and Arsenal have all been credited with a possible move in January.
Nicolo-Tresoldi-Club-Brugge
The Belgian outfit are reluctant to allow their main talisman to depart at present, but would consider selling the attacker should an offer of £50m be presented. That's via further claims in Italy.
Tresoldi may be an unknown quantity to many Everton supporters, but he’s a player who could well be the missing piece in Moyes’ attacking puzzle on Merseyside.
He’s gained a reputation for his goalscoring ability in recent years, as seen by his tally of 32 since the start of the 2025/26 campaign - a figure which Barry has been unable to match.
When comparing the German’s stats to those of the current Toffees talisman, the Brugge star has dominated in countless key areas - which showcases why he’d be a massive upgrade for Moyes.
Tresoldi has managed to achieve a higher tally of shots on target per 90 this campaign, with his efforts allowing him to score a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Such numbers showcase his talent at finding the back of the net at the highest level in Europe - something which the Toffees desperately lack with Barry up top.
Tresoldi-Club-Brugge
The German star has also managed to complete more of the dribbles he’s attempted this term, whilst even managing to come out on top of more ground duels per 90.
The aforementioned figures highlight why Tresoldi is the perfect all-round talent in the modern game, and how he can add a different dimension to Everton’s current forward line.
£42m may be seen as somewhat of an expensive deal for someone playing in Belgium, but the deal would hand Moyes the attacking threat he’s desperately been craving.