Everton: TFG let David Moyes down with striker deals last summer, evidence vs West Ham proves it must be rectified
Everton have proved yet again that they left themselves desperately short up front with their transfer business last summer.
The Toffees slipped to a frustrating 2-1 defeat away at West Ham on Saturday afternoon, a loss which saw old issues in front of goal come to the fore once again.
The Friedkin Group sanctioned a significant spend in the transfer market last summer, but the striker department was largely neglected, with Thierno Barry the only addition in that area.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Youssef Chermiti all headed in the opposite direction, and the club have paid for their lack of attacking investment throughout this season.
Everton’s transfer plans for this summer are set to see them strengthen their hand again ahead of next term, and they simply must address the striker issues if they are to have a successful window.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBCallum Wilson shows exactly what Everton lack
Barry and Beto both carry out important roles for Everton and their work rate cannot be questioned, but the pair undoubtedly leave a lot to be desired in front of goal.
That duo alone have spurned 19 big chances in the Premier League this season, and had they found the net with even half of those, they would likely have a European spot in their clutches.
| Stats | Barry | Beto | Wilson |
| Apps (Starts) | 34 (20) | 33 (14) | 28 (10) |
| Goals | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Goals per 90 | 0.31 | 0.53 | 0.5 |
| xG | 6.82 | 8.21 | 6.93 |
| Big Chances Missed per 90 | 0.51 | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Conversion Rate | 17.1% | 21.1% | 18.2% |
Instead, Moyes’ men were beaten on Saturday by the perfect example of what they lack within their squad.
Callum Wilson came on for West Ham in the 81st minute of the game, and enjoyed just two touches of the ball during his cameo, but he only needed one to slot home a stoppage-time winner for his team.
The veteran proved yet again that he is an expert at sniffing out chances inside the box and also producing calm and composed finishes.
Everton are seriously lacking that striker who can come off the bench and only needs one chance to find the back of the net, a man who can come on and snatch points for them with his ability to poach goals.
The Friedkin Group arguably let Moyes down in that department in the transfer market last summer, and they simply must rectify that for him this time around.
Liam Delap not the answer for Everton
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Everton are leading the race for Liam Delap this summer, amid suggestions that he could be sold by Chelsea.
The youngster moved to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town for £30million last summer, but his switch has not worked out at all so far, and has yielded one league goal.
With that in mind, Everton must surely try to resist the urge to sign him this summer, as he is simply not what they need up front by any means.
Delap is in a similar mould to Barry and Beto as a player, and the Toffees need a completely different option, rather than another player of that ilk.
Throw in the fact that the 23-year-old’s previous price tag will likely mean that he would cost a pretty penny, and it should be clear for Everton to see that he is not the answer to their problems.
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