Everton must go all out to sign ‘top-level’ striker in January, David Moyes loves him
Everton’s priority in the January transfer window is to sign a striker, and David Moyes could have found the perfect candidate.
The Toffees have shown immense improvement under Moyes, but putting the ball in the back of the net remains a problem.
As it stands, only two of the 12 goals they’ve scored in all competitions have come from a centre-forward, with Beto netting both.
But Football Insider recently revealed that Moyes wants to replace Beto in the new year, while persisting with Everton’s summer signing Thierno Barry, who is yet to get on the scoresheet since joining from Villarreal.
That said, if Everton are to realise their European ambitions – currently three points behind fifth-place Tottenham – then signing a lethal finisher is imperative.
Everton must go all out to sign Ivan Toney
Football Insider exclusively revealed on October 22 that Everton hold a concrete interest in Ivan Toney and are expected to explore a deal in the January transfer window.
Toney could leave Al-Ahli on loan to boost his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad in 2026, with the Toffees offering a perfect opportunity.
| Premier League season | Appearances / Goals |
| 2021/22 | 33 / 12 |
| 2022/23 | 33 / 20 |
| 2023/24 | 17 / 4 |
The 29-year-old wants to join a team where he’s a guaranteed starter, and since Beto and Barry are struggling to show a clinical edge, Toney would instantly become Moyes’ first-choice number nine.
Combining incredible physicality with a blend of pace and elite-level finishing, the former Brentford man would link up wonderfully with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Toney, who was dubbed ‘top-level’ by Martin Keown during his time with the Bees, would supply the missing piece to their attacking puzzle.
Moyes rates Toney highly
Moyes’s admiration of Toney adds fuel to the speculation. Speaking in February 2024, the Everton boss said: “I think he’s someone who’s always thinking about the football, considering the moments.
“He’s got an awful lot of good things as a footballer. Obviously, there’s a coolness about his finishing and how he plays, and he’s got a physical element to him. But also, importantly, he’s got a really intelligent football brain at times.”
Everton have lacked intelligence in their striker role this term and arguably someone on the same wavelength as Ndiaye and Grealish, two outstanding wingers.
That is why Toney, who is famed for his excellent link-up play, would become an instant hit at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.