Everton have struggled their way through the summer transfer window, but if David Moyes’ side’s performances to start the season are anything to go by, this could be an exciting year for the Toffees.
Crystal Palace were dispatched last week, a 2-0 win at the Hill Dickinson to start the Premier League term. Now Preston North End have been put to the sword, a 4-0 win at Deepdale illustrating the club’s ambition to compete this year, with a strong line-up fielded.
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates after the match
REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
We’re all aware of this, but Everton still need signings – especially at right-back, and in attack too. Iliman Ndiaye’s possible exit hums like an annoying fly in the face of the Everton persuasion, though Thierno Barry’s hat-trick against Preston has shown that Moyes may have some exciting attacking talent at his disposal this term.
Why this is a big year for Thierno Barry
Last summer, Everton signed Barry from Villarreal for £27m, seemingly ending their hoodoo at No. 9 by securing one of the most exciting young strikers on the market.
It was a choppy first year in the Premier League for the Frenchman, but he showcased plenty of potential, and now looks ready to assume a more influential role, with his three-goal performance in the Carabao Cup following an important strike to double the Blues’ advantage over Palace days before.
Four goals already. Barry appears to have taken Beto’s end-of-season purple patch in 2025/26 personally, determined to keep his hulking rival out of the starting line-up.
It’s the kind of healthy competition Moyes wanted last term, but more often than not, one of the two would flatter to deceive up top, working their way out of contention for a starting berth.
Now, Everton are starting to click into gear, but they still need more creativity and a few more dimensions in attack. The transfer market might be the answer there, and Moyes has just the solution in mind.
Late transfer at Everton could be a dream for Barry
Everton have a problem. Ndiaye wants to remain in the Premier League, which is all well and good, but as Manchester City’s interest grows, it’s becoming clear that keeping hold of the Senegalese winger for another week might be a bit tricky.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye celebrates Thierno Barry scoring their third goal
Everton will bank a pretty penny, should he be sold, and they already have their sights set on a solution, with transfer reporter Ben Jacobs revealing that Jack Grealish has decided he would like to re-join Everton, should he leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
