The Toffees were reportedly in the race to sign Liam Delap, with the club said to be willing to trigger his £30 million release clause and meet his wage demands. However, Delap is believed to have preferred a move to Chelsea, drawn by the prospect of Champions League football.
While resting our laurels on a young target represents risk, the English under-21 forward showed promise as a front man for a relegated team, scoring 12 goals in the process. That tally could have been higher had his performances not tailed off towards the end of the season, something to be expected from a youngster in his first Premier League season.
With hopes of signing Delap now gone, Everton must turn their attention to alternative targets. Their interest in the young forward makes it clear that a striker remains high on the club’s priority list, but where will they find the next number nine to lead the line and earn the admiration of the Goodison/Hill Dickinson faithful?
Premier League
Evan Ferguson has emerged as a prime target for several Premier League clubs, with his future at Brighton uncertain under new manager Fabian Hürzeler. A loan spell at West Ham in the second half of the season offered little opportunity to impress, as injuries and inconsistent minutes limited his ability to regain sharpness and develop his physical edge.
Despite this, Ferguson has shown flashes of real quality, most notably with a hat-trick against Newcastle, and has recorded 13 goals in 63 appearances, many of which came from the bench.
If Everton are to show real ambition and have the funds to back it up, Eddie Nketiah could be a smart move. The striker is currently waiting in the wings as Jean-Philippe Mateta leads the line at Crystal Palace.
Christopher Nkunku may be financially out of reach, while the likes of Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have failed to generate excitement among the fanbase. My favourite would be to see Richarlison back in the blue, this is despite his dip in form from his glory days at Goodison Park.
La Liga
Striker options in Spain’s top flight are limited, with stars like Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, and Julián Álvarez dominating the spotlight, well beyond Everton’s financial reach. However, a loan move from Real Madrid could present a more realistic and strategic opportunity.
One standout name is Endrick. After a frustrating debut season at Real Madrid, limited mostly to cup appearances and brief cameos, the young Brazilian could greatly benefit from consistent first-team football. A move to Merseyside could offer that opportunity.
With Everton's welcoming fanbase and its Brazilian connections, the club could make a compelling case, not just for a loan, but potentially something more long-term.
Another intriguing option is Thierno Barry, who has made an immediate impact at Villarreal, netting 11 goals in his debut La Liga campaign following a move from FC Basel. Barry excels at operating on the shoulder of defenders, using intelligent movement to exploit spaces where opponents hesitate to engage.
In addition to his eye for goal, he’s comfortable drifting wide to support build-up play and then leveraging his physical presence in the box to finish off chances.
Bundesliga
Seeing a 6'6" striker with genuine two-footed ability is a rarity in today’s game, but Stuttgart appear to have uncovered a real gem in Nick Woltemade. His recent hat-trick for Germany’s U21s against Spain showcased not only his technical quality but also the kind of aerial dominance you’d expect from a player of his stature, his powerful headed goal living up to the physical presence he brings.
Reportedly on Everton’s shortlist of striker targets, Nick Woltemade carries a rumoured price tag of around £40 million. This amount that could prove a smart investment given his age, potential, and steady development. Averaging 0.5 goals per 90 minutes at club level, the towering German forward offers both physical presence and technical ability, attributes that could help transform Everton’s attacking threat.
Should the club succeed in convincing him to trade Stuttgart’s European campaign for their own Premier League ambitions, Woltemade might just be the catalyst for a push back into continental competition.
Ligue 1
One of the most high-profile and perhaps controversial options is Mason Greenwood. The English forward has spent the past two seasons abroad following assault charges, later dropped, that sparked significant public backlash in the UK.
Now seeking a return to the Premier League, Greenwood could be a strong fit for Everton, offering pace, technical ability, and the potential to become a focal point in their attack.
Greenwood enjoyed an impressive campaign with Marseille, scoring 21 goals and helping the club secure Champions League qualification. However, criticism has followed him, with some coaches and supporters questioning his work rate and consistency, something Moyes will not take for granted in his team.
Another promising name is Arnaud Kalimuendo. The French forward netted 17 goals for a mid-table side, a standout achievement that has drawn attention from clubs like Newcastle and Leeds. With youth, hunger, and a proven scoring record, Kalimuendo could also represent a smart investment for Everton’s long-term rebuild.
David Moyes will be eager to secure a new number nine before pre-season begins, with European scouting trips needing to be wrapped up swiftly to support the club’s ambitions on the continent.