There appears to be a very slim chance of Youssef En-Nesyri signing for Everton on transfer deadline day.
Everton had been looking at new strikers this month, with a lot of fans hoping to see the club bring in an upgrade on Beto.
But the Toffees now look set to proceed in the second half of the season with Thierno Barry and Beto, who are both in the goals at the moment.
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The need for a new striker has perhaps lessened, and the injury to Jack Grealish has seen Everton make a move for Tyrique George.
An agreement for George was reached last night by Everton, and the expectation is that the deal will go through.
A new striker looks like it will have to wait, and after weeks of heavy speculation Youssef En-Nesyri looks like he could be set for a rather left-field move today.
Youssef En-Nesyri in talks to join Al-Ittihad after Everton interest
Youssef En-Nesyri playing for Fenerbahce
Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Fabrizio Romano has now reported that En-Nesyri could sign for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad today.
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The Morocco international has been a key figure in this transfer window, and been linked with several clubs.
Everton were even said to have made a proposal to sign En-Nesyri a few weeks ago.
He has had interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Juventus and Napoli.
But it seems En-Nesyri could now head to Saudi, and he is being tipped as a replacement for Karim Benzema.
Romano said: “Al Ittihad in talks to sign Youssef En-Nesyri as new striker from Fenerbahçe. Discussions ongoing with En-Nesyri if Karim Benzema ends up leaving Al-Ittihad.”
Shortly after that, Romano stated that Al-Ittihad and Fenerbahce were in ‘advanced talks’ over a double deal involving En-Nesyri and N’Golo Kante.
Thierno Barry and Beto must step up for Everton
So after so much talk, En-Nesyri looks like he won’t join Everton and instead head to Saudi.
And it looks like Everton will be putting their faith in Thierno Barry and Beto – and the pair will need to step up in the second half of the season.
Thankfully, Barry appears to have settled and has scored four goals in his last six Premier League games.
Youssef En-Nesyri playing for Fenerbahce.
Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images
And Beto was back on the scoresheet at the weekend against Brighton, rescuing a point for Everton at the Amex Stadium.
Time will tell if Everton will regret not bringing in a new striker.
But hopefully the signing of George will boost the creativity in the final third, and players like Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can chip in semi-regularly.
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