Everton’s Striker Crisis Deepens as January Plans Already Take Shape

Everton’s summer transfer window has left David Moyes with a squad that could face a major challenge in attack, with the club already expected to turn its attention towards the January transfer market. The Blues have made several important moves, but the late collapse of a proposed striker deal has created a significant gap that could become increasingly difficult to ignore as the season progresses.

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of senior options in the striker position. Everton saw a reported £40 million deal for Folarin Balogun collapse late in the window, while Beto was sold to Fiorentina for around £15.4 million. Those departures have left the club short of established attacking options, with Thierno Barry currently standing out as the only fit senior striker available.

The situation is particularly significant because Everton will need goals throughout the campaign. While other areas of the squad have received attention, the lack of depth at centre-forward means Moyes may have very little room for manoeuvre if Barry suffers an injury, loses form or simply needs a rest during a demanding run of fixtures.

The departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million on deadline day further underlines how much the squad has changed. Everton have had to balance major player sales with recruitment, and although the late arrival of Jack Grealish on a season-long loan provides an exciting attacking option, it does not completely solve the club’s need for a natural goalscorer.

Everton also completed the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, strengthening their options elsewhere on the pitch. However, the January window is now likely to become extremely important, particularly if the striker situation remains unchanged.

Mauro Icardi Emerges as an Option

One name already being linked with Everton is Mauro Icardi. The experienced Argentine striker is currently unattached, meaning Everton would not need to pay a traditional transfer fee to bring him in.

Icardi’s availability makes the situation particularly interesting. With Everton’s striker shortage becoming clear, a free-agent signing could provide Moyes with an opportunity to add experience without waiting until January. His reputation as a proven goalscorer would also make him an obvious candidate if Everton decide they need an immediate solution.

However, bringing in a player of Icardi’s profile would still represent an important decision for Moyes and the club. Everton would need to consider his fitness, form, wages and whether he fits the manager’s plans before making any commitment.

For now, the possibility of Icardi joining Everton remains a talking point, but the January window appears to be firmly on the club’s radar.

Left-Back Position Also Under Review

The striker position is not the only area Everton could look to strengthen. Moyes is also expected to consider bringing in competition at left-back.

Vitaliy Mykolenko remains an important option in the position, but the current squad reportedly lacks strong competition for him. That could become a concern over the course of a long season, particularly with injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion potentially putting additional pressure on the squad.

Adding another reliable left-back would give Moyes greater tactical flexibility and reduce the risk of depending too heavily on one player.

Everton Already Looking Ahead

Despite the January window still being some distance away, Everton’s reported scouting activity suggests the club is already planning ahead. Club officials have recently travelled to watch European matches, with the intention of identifying potential targets early rather than waiting until the transfer window opens.

That approach could prove crucial.

Everton will have the opportunity to assess their needs during the first part of the season and determine whether the current squad can cope. If the striker shortage becomes as serious as expected, the club could enter January with an urgent need for reinforcements.

Moyes will therefore be hoping that Thierno Barry can stay fit and productive while the rest of Everton’s attacking options contribute goals. At the same time, the club’s recruitment team will likely continue monitoring possible targets across Europe.

The collapse of the Balogun deal and the departures of Beto and Ndiaye have undoubtedly changed the picture. Jack Grealish provides another creative dimension, while Maitland-Niles adds further versatility, but neither arrival completely addresses the central issue.

For Everton, January could therefore become one of the most important transfer windows of the season. A proven striker and stronger competition at left-back appear to be among the priorities, while the possibility of a move for free agent Mauro Icardi adds another intriguing storyline.

The coming months will ultimately determine whether Everton need to act aggressively. But one thing already appears clear: David Moyes cannot afford to ignore the striker situation if Everton’s attacking depth continues to look this thin.