Thierno Barry's confidence to be shot to bits as Joshua Zirkzee a 'perfect' target for David Moyes
Thierno Barry has only just found his feet at Everton this season, and David Moyes could be about to undo all of his hard work.
The 23-year-old reached eight Premier League goals for the season with an unexpected brace against Manchester City, scoring for the first time in seven matches.
Despite his efforts, he has played second-fiddle to Beto as the Toffees' first-choice striker, and even with Moyes' side shooting for European qualification, it has not been at all simple in the final third.
A forward from the club hasn't netted over 20 goals in a single league campaign since Romelu Lukaku in 2016-27, which is something that the Everton transfer chiefs desperately need to address.
Thierno Barry could be replaced by Joshua Zirkzee
At just 23 years of age, it appears very easy for Barry to go from zero to hero, back to zero again, so any signs of the Toffees targeting a new striker could be detrimental to his confidence on Merseyside.
Sadly for him, that is exactly what is going to happen this summer, especially if European qualification is secured, and The Friedkin Group open their collective wallet again.
Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Joshua Zirkzee's move to Everton is a "real possibility," with the Man United outcast being described as "perfect" for the current squad.
| Thierno Barry | vs | Joshua Zirkzee |
| 1814 | Minutes played | 582 |
| 8 | Goals | 2 |
| 0 | Assists | 1 |
| 11 | Chances created | 10 |
| 10 | Big chances missed | 4 |
| 0.45 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.77 |
| 0.20 | Successful tackles per 90 | 0.93 |
The Red Devils' striker has previously been linked with the Toffees, and with just five Premier League starts to his name, it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see him make the switch after yet more frustration.
Beto's future should also be studied ahead of the summer
Beto is usually linked with an exit when transfer windows are approaching, and this summer is absolutely no different for the 28-year-old.
Serie A would appear the likeliest destination for the 10-goal forward at the end of this season, though Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are now contemplating blocking moves for Beto.
It remains unclear what the future holds for him, but what is clear is that the Toffees can't continue to push forward as a club without an out-and-out centre-forward who can create chances from very little.
While Zirkzee has had a hard time at Old Trafford since his arrival, his ability to drift in and out of position could make him the ideal alternative, being able to supply and score at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.