Everton strengthened their attacking options last summer by bringing in Thierno Barry as their new striker. While the French forward endured a challenging first season adapting to the Premier League, he has made an impressive start to the current campaign, registering five goal contributions in just three appearances.
David Moyes previously had Beto as his alternative option up front, but the Portuguese striker completed a deadline-day move to Fiorentina. Everton worked extensively to bring in a replacement and came close to securing a deal for AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun.
However, that transfer collapsed, and the Toffees also explored a late move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee. United ultimately rejected the opportunity to let the Dutch forward leave before the window closed.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton had actually reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United earlier in the window to sign young striker Ethan Wheatley for a fee believed to be around £2 million.
The Merseyside club later abandoned the move after deciding their funds would be better allocated elsewhere. That decision has left Moyes without a natural backup striker to provide support for Barry.
Wheatley has since joined Lincoln City on loan in the Championship, where he will look to gain regular first-team experience and continue his development. The 20-year-old remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, with United holding an option to extend his deal by another season.
Everton’s missed opportunity with Wheatley
Standing at 6ft 2in, Wheatley is a powerful right-footed striker who offers physicality, aerial ability, movement, and a willingness to work hard off the ball.
The young forward is considered a player with significant potential, meaning he could have represented a smart long-term investment for Everton had they completed the deal.
Instead, Everton chose to strengthen their attack by signing Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George during the summer window. They also brought in Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City on deadline day, while allowing Iliman Ndiaye to move in the opposite direction.
After drawing 1-1 with AFC Bournemouth in their latest Premier League fixture, Moyes’ Everton side are preparing for a meeting with Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.