da 888： Do Celtic lack attacking firepower?

da betway： So far, Brendan Rodgers’ side have started the Premiership campaign with two wins out of two, albeit they’ve been made to work hard for these victories, requiring a late Luke McCowan strike to overcome St Mirren 1-0, before a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Only once since 2012 have the Hoops scored three goals or fewer across their opening two league fixtures, doing so in 2018, albeit they did then demolish Falkirk 4-1 in the League Cup on Friday night.

Nevertheless, ahead of Wednesday night’s season-defining Champions League play-off against Kairat at Parkhead, supporters are concerned that Rodgers’ squad lacks the top-end talent to compete at European level.

With that in mind, could the Scottish champions sign a “world-class” striker, available on a free, that Rodgers knows rather well?

Celtic's need for attacking reinforcements

Since Rodgers returned to Celtic two summers ago, nine players have scored ten or more goals for the club, of whom four are no longer there, namely Kyōgo Furuhashi (31 goals), Nicolas Kühn (24), Matt O’Riley (19) and Luis Palma (10).

Adam Idah is on that list with 29 goals, second only to Daizen Maeda in the current squad, but the Republic of Ireland international is yet to get off the mark this season, with his compatriot Johnny Kenny given the nod on Friday night.

Following a fruitful loan spell, Idah’s move to Glasgow was made permanent for a humongous fee of £9.5m, but he has largely flattered to deceive since, so could Celtic target an upgrade during the remaining weeks of the transfer window?

Well, according to a report by the Scottish Sun, Rodgers ‘would love’ Celtic to sign free agent Jamie Vardy this summer.

They claim that the 38-year-old has ‘his heart set’ on a move to Parkhead, adding that the England international is a ‘model professional’ who ‘believes he can play week in week out’ at the highest level for another two years at least.

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So, will the Vardy party relocate from the East Midlands to Glasgow’s East End?

What Jamie Vardy would bring to Celtic

Earlier this year, Vardy waved goodbye to Leicester City after 13 years with the Foxes, during which time he won a Premier League title and the FA Cup.

He marked his final appearance for the club with a goal against Southampton, thereby bowing out with 200 goals in exactly 500 appearances, very satisfying for fans of symmetry.

Overall, Vardy netted nine times in the Premier League last season, a more than respectable feat for a generally woeful Leicester team, this representing 36% of their total goals.

However, as documented below, it is Vardy’s exploits during the Foxes’ promotion-winning campaign from the EFL Championship the year before that provide the biggest cause for optimism.

Vardy – 23/24 Champ stats

Stat

Vardy

Champ rank

Goals

18

5th

Goals inside the box

18

3rd

Shots

53

51st

Shots on target %

50.9%

9th

Goals-per-shot

0.26

5th

Average shot distance

11.4 yards

1st*

Big chances missed

16

7th

Offsides

17

19th

Average Sofascore rating

7.02

14th**

*minimum 44 shots. **among strikers only.

via FBref.com and Sofascore

As the table outlines, in the Championship, Vardy was prolific; the fact all 18 of his goals were scored inside the penalty area underlines his penalty-box poacher style of play, as does the fact his average shot distance was just 11.4 yards, so round about the penalty spot.

Also, impressively, these goals were scored from only 53 total shots, squandering a mere 16 Opta-defined big chances, emphasising that he still possesses that clinical edge.

Worth also noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the seventh-best league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is down in 27th, further suggesting Vardy would score goals for a dominant team in Scotland.

When the pair were together at Leicester, following a Premier League win over Arsenal in October 2020, Rodgers labelled Vardy a “world-class striker”, while then-Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy described him as a “living legend” prior to his Foxes farewell.

So, would he represent an upgrade on Idah?

Well, the Irishman did score 20 goals across all competitions last season, but his highest-ever total in an EFL Championship campaign was six, exponentially fewer than Vardy.

So far this season, starting both Premiership fixtures against St Mirren and Aberdeen, Idah has had five shots but missed three big chances, yet to find the back of the net and failing to make much impact, which has to be a concern with tougher tests to come.

Thus, it is clear that Vardy would score goals at Premiership level, and in Europe too, so signing the Englishman appears to be a no-brainer.

da dobrowin： Glasgow Celtic have enjoyed regular dominance in Scotland in recent years, with the Hoops’ shrewd signings playing a major role in that success.

da aposte e ganhe： Those at Parkhead aren’t known to splash the cash like other clubs across Europe but have become serial winners. The likes of Martin O’Neill, Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers have all spent money when allowed to do so, but who is Celtic’s most expensive signing of all time?

Here’s the top 10, with one player actually appearing on the list twice.

Celtic’s most expensive signings of all time

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Arne Engels

£11m

Augsburg

2024

2

Adam Idah

£9.5m

Norwich City

2024

=3

Odsonne Edouard

£8m

PSG

2018

=3

Jota

£8m

Rennes

2025

5

Christopher Jullien

£7m

Toulouse

2019

6

Jota

£6.5m

Benfica

2022

=7

Auston Trusty

£6m

Sheffield United

2024

=7

Cameron Carter-Vickers

£6m

Tottenham

2022

=7

John Hartson

£6m

Coventry City

2001

=7

Chris Sutton

£6m

Chelsea

2000

Celtic’s 10 most expensive signings in detail 10 Chris Sutton £6m from Chelsea

Now known for his role as a pundit and co-commentator, Chris Sutton was a goalscorer during his playing days and moved to Celtic Park in 2000.

The Englishman had starred for Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers before joining Chelsea in 1999, and after a 12-month stint at Stamford Bridge, headed to Scotland for £6m.

Sutton would score more than 80 goals in just under 200 appearances for the Hoops, winning eight major honours in Scotland.

9 John Hartson £6m from Coventry City

Sutton’s strike partner at Celtic was Welshman John Hartson, who also cost £6m a year later in 2001 from Coventry City.

A powerful centre-forward, Hartson actually made more appearances for Celtic than any other club he represented, outscoring Sutton in their Hoops careers. He won six major honours at Parkhead before being sold to West Brom in 2006.

8 Cameron Carter-Vickers £6m from Tottenham

After multiple loan spells away from Tottenham, Cameron Carter-Vickers found a permanent home at Parkhead in 2022 following a successful season with the Hoops a year before.

Celtic paid Tottenham £6m for the USA centre-back, who has gone from strength to strength in Glasgow and has since been linked with a mega-money transfer back to the Premier League.

7 Auston Trusty £6m from Sheffield United

Another American defender to join Celtic was Auston Trusty, who made the move in 2024 after Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League.

Trusty made 37 appearances in his first season as a Hoops player, winning two trophies. He’s under contract until 2029.

6 Jota £6.5m from Benfica

Portuguese winger Jota starred on loan at Celtic from Benfica in the 2021/22 season, and his transfer was made permanent for £6.5m at the end of the campaign.

The attacker would become a fan favourite and get even better a year later as the Hoops won the treble, however, he was then sold to Al Ittihad for a whopping £25m. More on Jota to come…

5 Christopher Jullien £7m from Toulouse

Towering centre-back Christopher Jullien became Celtic’s first summer signing in 2019, with Neil Lennon the manager to sign the French defender.

Unfortunately, Jullien suffered with injury during his time with the Hoops and was sold to Montpellier for a fraction of the fee in 2022.

4 Jota £8m from Rennes

After a failed time in Saudi Arabia, Jota was then sold to Rennes in France, but again struggled to hit the heights of his time at Celtic.

The Hoops were then in negotiations to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to the Ligue 1 side in 2025, and they used the money to bring Jota back to Parkhead in a deal worth £8m.

So, in total, Celtic have spent just under £15m on Jota in two transfers, while selling him once for £25m – good business.

3 Odsonne Edouard £8m from PSG

After starring on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the 2017/18 season, Celtic made Odsonne Edouard’s transfer permanent for a then-club-record £8m fee.

The Hoops at the time described it as the “biggest transfer” in their history, with the French forward continuing to score goals for fun in Scotland. Celtic still made a healthy profit on Edouard, cashing in for £14m when Crystal Palace came in on deadline day in 2021.

Odsonne Edouard’s Celtic stats

Games

179

Goals

87

Assists

37

Minutes played

12,199

Trophies won

11

2 Adam Idah £9.5m from Norwich City

Another striker who cost big money after impressing on loan was Adam Idah. The Republic of Ireland international spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign at Parkhead from Norwich City and scored some big goals for the Hoops, including a late winner in their Scottish Cup final against Rangers.

Celtic then spent £9.5m on Idah and handed him a five-year deal in Glasgow.

1 Arne Engels £11m from Augsburg

Top of the charts as Celtic’s most expensive signing of all time is midfielder Arne Engels. The Belgian joined in the same summer as Idah as the Hoops really splashed the cash in 2024.

Engels, who was only 20 when he signed, starred in his first season, winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup.

da premier bet： Everton’s transfer business this summer has been characterised by a calculated blend of experience and youth, with David Moyes’ return to the dugout sparking fresh ambition at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

da 888： The Toffees may have stumbled on the opening day at Elland Road, but subsequent back-to-back wins against Brighton in the league and Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup have steadied the mood and underlined a sense of momentum.

Moyes’ early recruits – Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish, and Tyler Dibling – all suggest a clear desire to build a side that balances quality with potential.

The pursuit of Dibling in particular was emblematic of Everton’s new strategy. Secured from Southampton in a £42m deal, the 19-year-old England U21 winger represents a bold bet on long-term potential.

Yet the Merseyside club appear far from finished in the market.

Having already explored moves for Tomas Soucek and Hayden Hackney, Everton are actively searching for further midfield reinforcements.

One name has emerged late in the window, and while he would not be an easy capture, the upside is undeniable.

Everton eye move for Kobbie Mainoo

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Toffees are “in the mix” of clubs considering a late swoop for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.

The 20-year-old, a graduate of Carrington and one of England’s most highly regarded young midfielders, is understood to be pushing for more regular minutes in what is a World Cup year.

Having started just 15 of manager Rúben Amorim’s 44 matches in charge, Mainoo has found opportunities limited in recent times.

The youngster’s frustrations were compounded at the weekend when he remained an unused substitute for the second match in succession, this time in United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Sources close to the player suggest he is open to testing himself abroad, but Everton’s willingness to provide immediate Premier League opportunities could yet prove persuasive.

From United’s perspective, a permanent sale seems unlikely, albeit with a fee of around £45m having been touted.

Mainoo is seen as part of the club’s long-term project and has already enjoyed moments that underline his pedigree, including a start in the Euro 2024 final for England and a goal in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City the previous season.

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However, a carefully managed loan is not out of the question, particularly if Amorim remains committed to fielding Fernandes as his central fulcrum.

Why Mainoo fits Everton’s evolution

For Everton, the potential arrival of Mainoo would continue a trend of targeting young English prospect, having been described by Rasmus Højlund as a “generational talent”.

Dibling’s addition last week brought creativity on the right flank, while the pursuit of Hackney showed the club’s intent to provide pathways for domestic players with significant headroom for development.

Mainoo, however, arguably represents a higher ceiling than any of those previously linked.

In tactical terms, Moyes’ side would benefit enormously from the injection of someone like Mainoo’s profile.

Last season, Mainoo played 25 times in the Premier League, demonstrating his composure under pressure and ability to progress play through congested midfields.

In Europe, he added a goal and an assist in the Europa League in eight appearances, evidence of his capacity to influence games beyond simply recycling possession.

His underlying metrics reinforce that promise.

Kobbie Mainoo – 2024/25

Matches Played

25

Starts

19

Shots

15

Progressive Carries

22

Progressive Passes

65

Tackles

46

Source: FBref

He ranked in the 72nd percentile for tackles per 90 (2.44) and the 78th percentile for dribblers tackled (1.25), numbers that speak to a player unafraid to impose himself defensively while still maintaining balance in transition.

Compared to Everton’s existing options, the contrast is stark.

Where recent departure Abdoulaye Doucouré thrived on vertical runs into the box and late goals – scoring 21 times in 166 appearances for Everton – Mainoo offers a calmer, more technically polished alternative.

He is the type of midfielder who can set the tempo rather than merely follow it, giving Moyes a platform on which to build his attacking structure.

However, this does not diminish players like Dibling’s importance.

The teenager’s statistical profile already illustrates a winger who can carry the ball with intent, draw fouls and press from the front.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for fouls drawn, the 98th for penalties won, and the 87th for take-ons attempted, indicative of a player capable of stretching defences and providing Moyes with the sort of dynamism Everton have sorely lacked in recent times.

But for those qualities to shine, Everton require a midfield that can win possession, circulate it quickly, and release their wide forwards into space.

Mainoo’s presence could be the glue that connects the dynamic talent of Dibling with the more established threats Moyes is shaping around Grealish and Barry.

From a financial perspective, a loan deal would also represent a pragmatic approach.

While Everton have shown a willingness to invest in young players – spending £42m on Dibling – balancing that with opportunistic loans could be the smartest way to deepen the squad without overstretching resources.

For Mainoo, the benefit is equally obvious: regular Premier League football in a competitive environment that would accelerate his development and enhance his case for an England spot at the World Cup.

If Everton can pull it off, the move would symbolise the club’s transition under Moyes.

No longer merely plugging gaps, the Toffees are assembling a squad built with both present competitiveness and future growth in mind.

With Dibling already secured and Mainoo potentially next through the door, Everton could be positioning themselves not just for survival, but for a return to relevance in the top half of the Premier League.

da supremo： With just three days left to salvage their transfer window, Aston Villa are now reportedly closing in on signing a Champions League-winning star who knows all about Premier League football.

da fezbet： Whilst PSR has limited Aston Villa all summer long, there’s still every chance that they could complete some late business. The sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United should have at least freed up some funds to welcome some reinforcements of their own, and there’s no denying that Unai Emery needs it.

So far, with two games played, the Villans are yet to win a game. After drawing 0-0 with Newcastle on the opening day, the Midlands club suffered a 1-0 defeat against Brentford to hand Keith Andrews his first victory in charge of the Bees. With Crystal Palace up next in what is historically a tough game for Emery’s side, those at Villa Park should be desperate for fresh faces.

Just who arrives is the big question. Whilst Emery is a clear admirer of Nicolas Jackson, it looks like the out-of-favour Chelsea striker is off to Bayern Munich rather than a Premier League rival. Meanwhile, there’s also plenty of competition in the race to sign Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Villa are reportedly among those ready to send an offer to the Spanish club.

Emery is well aware that there’s still work to be done in the window too, having told reporters last week: “The club are working hard to get our structure as strong as possible with the players in the squad, trying to get two players for each position. There is still work to do, maybe even some players leaving more and we will have to sign and complete the squad with some players.”

It’s work that will go right up until the deadline and could even include the arrival of a familiar face in the Midlands.

Aston Villa submit first Asensio offer

As reported by Sacha Tavolieri, Aston Villa have now submitted an opening offer to sign Marco Asensio and are closing in on a deal to sign the Paris Saint-Germain winger worth just €15m (£13m). The Villans are reportedly “confident” that the Spaniard will seal his return for the first time since a successful loan spell at the club last season.

When Asensio arrived last season, he handed Aston Villa the spark that they were beginning to lack alongside fellow loanee Marcus Rashford. There was, therefore, understandable disappointment when the latter sealed a move to Barcelona and it looked as though the PSG star was destined for other things.

Marco Asensio the former wonderkid

Year

Segunda División Player of the Month

2014

UEFA European U19 Championship Golden Player

2015

La Liga Breakthrough Player

2015-16

UEFA European U21 Championship Silver Boot

2017

UEFA European U21 Championship Team of the Tournament

2017

UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI

2017

In a last-gasp move, however, a player who former Tottenham Hotspur man Andros Townsend called a “special talent” looks likely to join back up with his Aston Villa teammates on a permanent basis.

da realbet： Newcastle United clung on until the bitter end, but ultimately were forced into selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

da dobrowin： Oh well, at least the Toon bagged themselves two successors in Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, and for a similar combined price at that.

But it stings, for the Sweden striker played a talismanic part in winning the Carabao Cup and returning to the Champions League last season, ending three years of prolific performances on Tyneside.

Why Isak wanted to leave Newcastle

Isak, 25, has signed for the Premier League champions in a record-breaking £125m deal and will front Arne Slot’s side for the next six years (unless he pushes for an earlier exit, of course).

While United earned themselves an incredible paycheck for the forward’s sale, the nature of his departure has left more than just a sour taste, with Isak’s hiatus over the past few weeks having directly affected Eddie Howe’s side’s start to the season, two points from three Premier League fixtures.

His goal-per-game rate is a thing to behold, and Newcastle would do very well indeed if Isak’s replacements managed to perform at a level, in the aggregate, resembling his prowess.

Top PL Scorers since Isak’s Debut

Player

Apps

Goals

Erling Haaland

100

88

Mohamed Salah

111

67

Alexander Isak

86

54

Ollie Watkins

112

50

Chris Wood

95

39

Bryan Mbeumo

104

39

Data via Transfermarkt

Many of a Toon persuasion feel that PIF should have been stronger in their rebuttal of Isak’s wishes, as was the case way back when with the club’s original version of the 6 foot 3 striker.

Newcastle's original Isak

David Ginola was one of the Premier League’s original mavericks. The 58-year-old has been retired for many years, but is still remembered fondly by those who recall his days gliding up and down the left flank, sometimes finding a place down the central channel.

Having won the PFA Player of the Year in 1999 with Tottenham Hotspur, the former France international was truly one of the best in the business when in his heyday, and Newcastle must regret having only enjoyed his talents across two campaigns.

Bringing the winger over to England from Paris Saint-Germain in 1995, former boss Kevin Keegan sought to shape Newcastle into a bona fide superpower, and Ginola was very much a part of that process.

A winger of great flair and wow-factor, Ginola hardly enjoyed his most auspicious years at Newcastle, featuring 76 times and posting seven goals and 16 assists, but he still played a thrilling role, one of the most skilful stars to have graced St. James’ Park.

Who could forget that strike against Manchester United?

However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows across those two terms in black and white, having remarked that Newcastle and Keegan had left him feeling “stabbed in the back” after rejecting a move to Barcelona in the summer of 1996.

Ginola felt the potential bid marked a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but he would stay on Tyneside for another year before earning a move to Tottenham, where he would form the bulk of his football on English shores.

Could there be parallels between the two situations? Isak’s refusal to play for Newcastle was more incendiary, for sure, as was his public statement that demanded the Magpies allow him to move to Liverpool before the end of the transfer window. He got his wish.

Ultimately, neither player went on to play for many years at Newcastle after a powerhouse came a-calling, and though the present Isak situation stings, Howe has instilled a winning mentality, and St. James’ Park will sing again without the Sweden sensation in their mix.

da betobet： Newcastle United have finally found their reinforcements to spearhead their attack, having signed both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, but they looked at another target who was desperate to leave his club on deadline day.

Newcastle United's striker situation in focus

da esport bet： The transfer window eventually drew to a close on Monday night after months of drama, capped off by Alexander Isak joining Liverpool after not being involved for the Magpies during their opening Premier League fixtures.

His absence from Saturday’s goalless draw away to Leeds United led to fans making their voices heard surrounding his absence, though after Fabrizio Romano cleared up some details on how much his late transfer to Anfield is worth, fans may feel a little more positive about the ordeal.

He stated: “Alexander Isak arrives in Liverpool to sign a six year deal valid until June 2031. The deal will cost £125m to Liverpool as Newcastle will get £130m — including solidarity payment.”

Searching for his replacement, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen was on the Magpies’ radar despite seeing several bids for the Norway star turned down. Vitor Pereira was said to have demanded £65 million for his star man.

In the end, Yoane Wissa joined Newcastle for a fee worth around £55 million, bringing the curtain down on a long search for an Isak replacement.

Ultimately, the Geordies were linked with a multitude of strikers to replace Isak and whittled down a long list before coming to a conclusion on who would arrive at St James’ Park.

While Newcastle fans rejoice at Wissa and Woltemade’s arrival, their window could well have been different if eleventh hour events didn’t move things in an alternative direction.

Nicolas Jackson was Newcastle's Wissa alternative

According to The Sun, Newcastle were in talks to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if they could not agree a deal with Brentford for Wissa. Incredibly, the Senegal forward refused to come back to Chelsea when called back to cover Liam Delap’s injury, and ended up forcing through his loan move to Bayern Munich at the 11th hour.

Marc Guiu has been recalled to Chelsea to take Jackson’s place instead, allowing him to move to Germany on loan with a buy obligation.

The Magpies had multiple plates spinning, but the 24-year-old was deemed to be near the top of their wishlist and for a price of £60 million. Labelled “fantastic” by Joe Cole, Jackson registered 13 goals and six assists in 37 appearances across all competitions last term, though Newcastle opted to conclude a deal for Wissa, who retained a superior record of 20 strikes in 39 outings.

After months of chaotic action on the market, Howe will feel happy with the options at his disposal in light of losing Isak to Liverpool.

da esport bet： Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided an injury update on one of his key players after the EFL Cup defeat at the hands of Brentford.

Villa's poor start continues against the Bees

da poker： Villa finally found the back of the net on Tuesday night, after failing to score in their opening four Premier League games, but Harvey Elliott’s first goal for the club didn’t count for much, with Brentford ultimately progressing in the EFL Cup.

After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Bees progressed on penalties, with John McGinn and Matty Cash both missing from the spot, meaning Emery’s side are still searching for their first victory of the campaign.

Emery has been forced to make do without a number of his key players already this season, with the likes of Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans spending time on the sidelines, but there has now been a promising new update on the latter player.

Reporter Jacob Tanswell subsequently confirmed that Emery is also optimistic that Tielemans could return before the next international break, with the Villa boss stating the central midfielder is likely to be out for one or two more weeks.

Tielemans' return will be boost for Aston Villa

With the Belgian ruled out against Brentford, Lamare Bogarde was given the nod in central midfield, but the 21-year-old was unable to impact the game in the way he would’ve liked, being shown a yellow card before being replaced by Kamara in the 74th minute.

Tielemans, on the other hand, has been a vitally important player for the Villans over the course of the past two seasons, playing a major role in Emery’s side qualifying for the Champions League and Europa League by regularly providing goals and assists in the Premier League.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

32

9

2024-25

36

10

The 28-year-old was also arguably Villa’s most consistent player in the Premier League last season, averaging a 7.38 SofaScore match rating across the campaign, which was by far the highest of any player in the squad.

Emery is under no illusions as to just how important the Belgium international is to his side either, saying last season: “He is really doing fantastic work. He is very, very professional. The mentality he has, really I appreciate in the highest level we can achieve.”

As such, it is promising news that Tielemans is set to return within the next two weeks, but it appears as though Aston Villa will have to do without the £150k-a-week midfielder when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Sunday.

da aposte e ganhe： One of Everton’s marquee summer signings in 2025 was young centre-forward Thierno Barry. The Frenchman joined from Villarreal over the summer, costing the Toffees a fee said to be £27m. He signed a four-year contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

da pixbet： David Moyes is certainly easing him into his new club, which is smart given he is just 22 years of age. Barry has played just 143 minutes so far, and although he hasn’t scored, his record for the Yellow Submarine last season suggests he has top potential. He bagged 11 goals and assisted four in 35 La Liga games.

Eventually, it seems as though the plan is for Barry to replace Everton’s current first-choice striker, Beto.

Beto’s season so far

The man leading the line this season has tended to be Guinea-Bissau international Beto. The 27-year-old has struggled to find his best form on Merseyside, but this term he’s shown a glimpse of what he can do at his best.

That is best highlighted by the fact he’s already scored this season, both in the Carabao Cup against Mansfield and in the Premier League.

That strike in the top flight came in the 3-2 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the former Udinese star opening the scoring thanks to a Jack Grealish assist.

Yet, the striker has not really shown his best form in an Everton shirt, across his time for the club. In 75 appearances since moving to Merseyside in 2023, he’s only found the back of the net 17 times.

Beto’s average of 0.22 goals per game certainly leaves a lot to be desired. There are flashes of brilliance, and he scored eight Premier League goals in 30 games last season, but he has yet to prove himself a reliable and consistent asset.

It may well be the case that Everton look at bringing through a new striker soon enough. Barry is waiting in the wings, and they also have someone out on loan who could be a perfect long-term option.

Everton’s on-loan Beto replacement

The Toffees have certainly got some good options in their academy. Young playmaker Harrison Armstrong is someone who has been in and around the first team and grabbed two assists in the cup clash with Masfield.

Another player who could one day break through and become the eventual Beto replacement is Martin Sherif. The 19-year-old is currently out on loan at League One club Rotherham United and has made a strong start despite picking up an injury.

The Dutchman, who has played for the Netherlands at under-17 level, has featured three times for the Millers this term. He’s already bagged one goal, scoring on his debut in a 2-2 draw against Wigan Athletic, a game in which he also played 90 minutes.

His stats from that game against Wigan show the kind of quality that the young striker has. Although he only had 23 touches, he made them count, registering two shots on target. Off the ball, he won five duels, showing an impressive work rate.

Sherif stats vs. Wigan

Stat

Number

Touches

23

Pass accuracy

83%

Key passes

1

Shots on target

2

Goals

1

Duels won

5

Stats from Sofascore

The 19-year-old, described as a “nuisance” of a striker by journalist Lewis Bower, has featured on the bench for the Toffees. Although he is yet to make his debut, Sherif has featured in the matchday squad nine times.

As for his record for the academy sides on Merseyside, the numbers are yet more evidence that he could become a top striker.

In the under-18s Premier League, he’s scored 21 times in just 40 appearances, and has five Premier League 2 goals.

It remains to be seen just how much longer Beto can keep his place in the starting lineup at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. One thing is for sure, with Barry an option for Moyes and Sherif gaining valuable loan experience, the competition for places is exciting at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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