Everton looked to be on their way to a resurgence when David Moyes replaced the beleaguered Sean Dyche in January, and though the Toffees rose toward a comfortable mid-table finish in 2024/25, old issues seem to be resurfacing at the moment.
Moyes' tenure has hardly turned stale, but he needs a few more signings before the closure of the transfer window, with Everton having struggled to hit their stride in their Premier League opener, defeated 1-0 at Leeds United on Monday evening.
Signings are needed, but since the Sky Sports pundits bemoaned Everton's lack of activity, a £40m deal has been agreed with Southampton for the transfer of Tyler Dibling, regarded as one of England's most exciting teenage prospects.
If The Friedkin Group manage to steer that one over the finish line, they look set to turn toward number nine.
Everton lining up deal for another forward
Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Everton this summer at the end of his contract. The striker has since signed for Leeds. He was one stream within a flood of departures, overseen by Moyes, deemed necessary after years of dour returns.
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin comes on as a substitute
Replacing him, Thierno Barry has joined Everton from Villarreal for £27.5m, but, even with Beto in the ranks, Everton might be interested in signing another talented marksman.
It's early days, but Everton like what they see, and according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, technical director Angus Kinnear is prepared to raid the Yellow Submarine once again this summer, having reopened contacts to discuss a deal for Karl Etta Eyong.
Etta Eyong scores for Villarreal
Etta Eyong scores for Villarreal
Though the 21-year-old centre-forward wants to continue his development in Spain, he's tempted by the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
Villarreal would seek €25m (£21m) for his signature.
Why Everton want Etta Eyong
Beto and Barry make up a confident pairing for the number nine spot, but Eyong's youthfulness and blooming consistency in front of goal suggest he might be a signing worth making to complete the set.
EVERTON MOYES
Perhaps what's most exciting is Etta Eyong's slick translation of goals in the Segunda division to a promising return in La Liga.
He's yet to showcase his potency across many matches at the highest level, but the signs are certainly promising.
Etta Eyong - Career Stats by Club
Club
Cadiz Mirandilla
Villarreal B
Villarreal
Cadiz
Data via Transfermarkt
Etta Eyong's natural-born clinical edge and his "powerful" physical profile, as has been noted by journalist Kai Watson, suggest he has what it takes to succeed in ther Premier League, and with similarities to Everton recruit Barry, hailing from the same club, you can understand Everton's desire to bring him over, having already opened talks.
The Cameroonian striker scored last weekend as Villarreal kicked off their La Liga campaign with three points, winning 2-0 against Real Oviedo. Sofascore's data reveals the up-and-comer won three duels and completed 80% of his passes too.
The 6 foot 5 Barry's profile arrested Everton's attention, and with Beto's long-term future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium uncertain, striking a shrewd deal for a talent such as Etta Eyong could be a masterstroke
Indeed, he might have that covetous innate goalscoring touch, which could prove worthwhile for the Merseysiders as they package their squad with enough quality and depth to challenge at the front end of the Premier League.