REUTERS/Phil Noble
Everton need goals. Without goals, David Moyes will not achieve his own personal goal, and that is to carry this team back into Europe. Maybe challenge for some silverware. It's been a while.
But Everton do not have goals. Not of the rich and plentiful variety which flirts the possibility of finding a seat at a bigger table. Everton came close last season in the Premier League, but they went seven games without a win to pull them down to a 12th-place finish.
Action Images via Reuters/John Clifton
It's unlikely that the Toffees will fall toward the relegation zone, even after a disastrous summer transfer window which has weakened Moyes' side. All that said, Everton need more goals, and the likes of Beto might have provided them.
Why Beto is such a big loss for Everton
Beto spent three years at Everton. He scored goals. The Bissau Guinean centre-forward was the club's top scorer in the Premier League across his three full terms, and he was sold to Fiorentina at the end of the summer window.
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Everton Top Scorers since Beto's PL Debut
Player
Beto
Iliman Ndiaye
Abdoulaye Doucourse
Thierno Barry
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Florence is a lovely city. The heart of the Italian renaissance and a cultural hotspot. Beto will be doing just fine, but Everton did not have to sell him to the Serie A side. They could have resisted and kept him as their number nine. After all, he was contracted until 2030, and he ended the 2025/26 season in fine fettle.
The 28-year-old was not some superstar for Everton. He frustrated supporters with his dry spells and lack of presence in the box. For a big man, it was almost impressive how he sometimes shrank in his role as frontman.
Everton striker Beto
But he could turn on the tap too. He scored six goals across eight games toward the end of the league season, with a brace-and-assist display against Chelsea in March (Everton's final win of the term) instilling faith across the Hill Dickinson that, yes, this team could work their way into Europe.
Without Beto, they are weaker. They didn't replace him, and Thierno Barry is all alone up front.
Is Thierno Barry ready for the No. 9?
Just over a year ago, Everton signed Barry from Villarreal for £27m. Big talent with a big future. However, he left a lot to be desired across his debut year, scoring eight times in the Premier League but looking lost until Christmas, remaining inconsistent after the new year.
Director Angus Kinnear's hang-your-head-in-shame attempt at boosting Moyes' squad this summer has left Barry alone in attack. Beto has been sold, Iliman Ndiaye too. At least there's Brennan Johnson and Charly Alcaraz to step in, right?
Barry has made a promising start to the season, and no mistake. He has scored five goals and supplied an assist in all competitions, providing the winner against Ipswich Town in the league before the international break.
Everton's Thierno Barry shoots at goal
But is the 23-year-old an upgrade on Beto? Is he ready to lead the line throughout the season? What if he gets injured?
Barry must have his eye on the No. 9 shirt, vacated by Beto this summer, but what if there's an even bigger attacking talent ready to beat the Frenchman to it?
Everton prospect could beat Barry to the No. 9
The number nine shirt is a pretty iconic one at Everton. Beto might not have been the greatest to wear it, but he was preceded by some superstars, all right, and Barry would be taking on a big responsibility.
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Everton's Notable No. 9's
Player
Beto
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Kevin Campbell
Duncan Ferguson
Graeme Sharp
Andy Gray
Bob Latchford
Dixie Dean
Barring a big-money attacking signing in January, it will surely remain unworn for the remainder of the season, and that presents academy sensation Braiden Graham with the perfect chance to step up and make his name known at the Hill Dickinson.
Graham, 18, will be desperate to avail himself of Everton's attacking sparseness and win Moyes over. He has already been hailed for his elite potential by Everton U21s boss David Hughes, who praised his "terrific form" and "incredible discipline", and if he makes the right strides in regard to his physical and athletic development, he might just earn a shot to score some goals for Everton.
REUTERS/Lee Smith
The Balleygowan-born forward still hasn't nailed down his preferred position. His pace, skill, running power and potency in the final third lends itself to versatility, but a natural eye for goal and Everton's need for a frontman could see him take the stage there.
Already having sat on the bench - unused - four times for Northern Ireland and made his U21s debut this month, the future is bright for this one, with 37 goals and nine assists across 60 appearances for Everton's development sides evidence of his potential in the danger area.
Barry isn't going to be taking Beto's shirt this season. That gives Graham time to bring himself up to speed. The rare opportunity to catch Moyes' eye from academy level will not be lost on the Northern Irishman, who is doing all the right things, scoring goals but playing with panache too.
Goals, goals, goals. Barry has already shown this season that he can provide them. Beto, too, knew how to find the back of the net for Everton.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
However, Graham's fast-footed, ferocious attacking style could break the barrier that has stood between the club and world-class striker's play for too long. He continues to improve as a physical athlete, and when ready, will take the Premier League by storm.
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