Despite growing concerns among Everton supporters over the club’s summer transfer business, David Moyes has overseen an impressive opening to the 2026/27 season.
The Scottish manager remains unbeaten in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup so far, with Everton sitting seventh in the league and preparing to face Newcastle United in the fourth round of the League Cup.
The Toffees have also kept three clean sheets in their opening five league matches, giving them one of the strongest defensive records among the 20 clubs competing in England’s top division.
However, if Everton are to continue their excellent start to the campaign, strengthening one particular position in Moyes’ squad will be essential.
Why Everton need another striker
Following Beto’s permanent move to Fiorentina late in the transfer window, Everton appeared set to bring in Folarin Balogun from AS Monaco.
The club had reportedly reached an agreement with the French side for the American forward, but a late change of heart resulted in the proposed £40m transfer collapsing before the deadline.
That has left Thierno Barry as Moyes’ only established senior centre-forward. The 23-year-old has made an excellent start to the campaign, scoring five goals in his first seven appearances across all competitions, but additional support will be important if he is to sustain that form throughout the season.
With the transfer window closed until January 1, Everton’s options are limited to players who are available as free agents. One name that has emerged as a potential solution is former Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi.
The 33-year-old is currently without a club after departing the Turkish champions at the end of last season. Despite making just 12 Super Lig starts, Icardi still managed to score 14 goals.
His career record also highlights his proven ability in front of goal:
| Season | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | Inter Milan | 17 |
| 2019/20 | PSG | 20 |
| 2020/21 | PSG | 13 |
| 2021/22 | PSG | 5 |
| 2022/23 | Galatasaray | 23 |
| 2023/24 | Galatasaray | 32 |
| 2024/25 | Galatasaray | 6 |
| 2025/26 | Galatasaray | 16 |
Icardi’s experience at the highest level could give Moyes the attacking reinforcement he is looking for while also providing Barry with an experienced striker from whom he could learn as he continues his development.
Could Everton find a Richarlison upgrade?
Although reports have linked Everton with a short-term move for Icardi, some supporters continue to hope that former fan favourite Richarlison could make an emotional return to Goodison Park.
There were suggestions on deadline day that Everton had entered advanced discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential deal for the Brazilian, with Iliman Ndiaye potentially heading in the opposite direction.
However, Manchester City’s intervention in the proposed move for the Senegalese forward disrupted Everton’s plans, and the club ultimately failed to complete the deal before the transfer window closed.
Richarlison has since used social media to express his desire to return to Merseyside, but another attacking target has also emerged as a potential option for Everton.
Recent reports have suggested that RB Leipzig forward Conrad Harder is among the players the Toffees could consider ahead of the January transfer window.
The Danish international attracted significant interest from Leeds United during the summer before eventually joining French club Strasbourg on loan for the 2026/27 season.