Beto turned out to be the hero for Everton on Saturday afternoon, with his late goal securing a dramatic point.
Everton were far from their best during their away trip to face Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast.
The second half did see David Moyes’ side improve, but this was not overly difficult given the dreadful opening 45 minutes
Changes were made to the starting XI, with Vitaliy Mykolenko missing from Everton’s side through an injury that was sustained in training.
The starting striker remained, however, as Thierno Barry led the line before being replaced by the eventual hero, Beto.
Who was your most underwhelming Everton player vs Brighton? 😡
Some really poor displays out there! 🫣
Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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With questions hanging over his future on Merseyside, the 28-year-old’s celebrations after the game may have offered a hint ahead of deadline day.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
How Beto celebrated after Everton draw speaks volumes
It is believed that Beto has interested clubs across Europe ahead of Monday evening’s transfer deadline.
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Without a replacement, there is surely no way Everton would entertain a potential departure for their 28-year-old.
Beto only took 10 minutes to do what Barry couldn’t in almost 90 minutes! 🤩
There is no way Everton can now sell Beto… is there? 🫣
Thierno Barry of Everton (C) warms up prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton. Beto of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Steve Bardens/
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After the game, Beto enjoyed his moment with the Everton fans singing his name.
Everton posted a video of the celebrations on X as Beto was seen praising the fans and slapping his shirt around the badge.
Things can certainly change very quickly in the world of football, but that did not look like a player who was set to leave in the coming days.
Moyes has admitted players could leave Everton in the final hours of this winter window, with the likes of Adam Aznou left out of the squad on Saturday.
The Blues simply cannot afford to go down to just one striker and Beto’s impact from the bench proved that at the Amex Stadium.
Beto still has an important role to play at Everton
Even if it is just as a substitute, Beto can still play a big role in the remainder of Everton’s 2025/26 campaign.
The striker is struggling to earn a spot in the starting XI over Barry, but his goal on Saturday could prove massive for the Blues in the long run.
Everton are keen to sign another striker with the clock ticking down on the recruitment team back at Finch Farm.
Barry was far from his best against Brighton and there could be an argument made that Beto should have come on earlier.
Having a competitor to keep Barry on his toes could prove huge for Moyes in the second half of the campaign.
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