Everton’s striking woes have reached a boiling point, and the club’s desperate search for goals has led them to Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri. But here’s where it gets controversial: are the Toffees truly close to securing the Fenerbahce frontman, or is this just another transfer rumor swirling in the January window? Let’s dive in.
With the season past its halfway mark, Everton’s current strikers, Thierno Barry and Beto, have managed just three goals each—a stark contrast to the firepower needed to climb the table. Beto’s early-season promise, including a brace in late August against Mansfield Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, fizzled out until his consolation goal in the 4-2 defeat to Brentford on January 4. Barry, a £27 million summer signing from Villarreal, took 17 matches to open his Everton account, despite scoring 19 goals last season for Basel and Villarreal. And this is the part most people miss: while both strikers have shown glimpses of potential, their inconsistency has left Everton fans craving a proven goalscorer.
Enter Youssef En-Nesyri, the 28-year-old Morocco international currently starring at the Africa Cup of Nations. With 25 goals in 90 caps for his country, En-Nesyri has a track record of delivering in high-pressure situations. His club career is equally impressive, from his early days at Malaga’s reserve team, where he scored nine goals in 10 matches, to his La Liga stints with Malaga, Leganes, and Sevilla, culminating in a €19.5 million move to Fenerbahce in 2024. Last season, he netted 30 goals in 52 games for the Turkish side, and he’s already bagged eight in 25 appearances this term. But here’s the kicker: while Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claim Everton have tabled an official loan bid with a €20 million option to buy, the Liverpool Echo insists there’s no movement on a potential deal as of now.
So, what’s the truth? Everton’s need for a striker is undeniable, but the club’s financial constraints and the complexity of mid-season transfers make this a tricky pursuit. Loans seem more feasible, but landing a player of En-Nesyri’s caliber on a temporary deal is no small feat. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Everton’s interest in En-Nesyri a genuine attempt to solve their striking crisis, or just a PR move to appease frustrated fans? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this transfer saga!
