Everton are considering a move for a striker in the January transfer window, after failing to bring in adequate support for Thierno Barry in the summer.
As the Toffees’ only senior striker, Thierno Barry has been under pressure to perform, and the Frenchman has delivered during the opening stages of the season, most recently scoring in the 2-2 draw against Hull City on Sunday.
Barry’s early-season form is undoubtedly encouraging, but there are clearly still improvements needed, considering the 23-year-old missed four big chances against Hull, which was more than every other player on the pitch combined.
Moreover, David Moyes could be left in a difficult position if the Lyon-born striker gets injured, considering he has no other options, so it is imperative that a new centre-forward is brought in during the January transfer window.
|
Thierno Barry’s goalscoring stats |
Matches |
Goals |
|
Everton |
49 |
14 |
|
Basel |
41 |
20 |
|
Villarreal |
37 |
11 |
|
SK Beveren |
33 |
20 |
Last week, it was revealed Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan is now in the Merseysiders’ sights, but the Irishman is yet to prove himself in a major European league, and a more proven centre-forward has emerged as an alternative option.
Everton eyeing move for Christian Kofane
According to a report from Football Insider, Everton are now looking to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Christian Kofane, and they could make a move for the 20-year-old as early as the January transfer window.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke added: “He’s a big, tall striker but also very mobile, he can play out wide or down the middle, so I think that’s why he ticks a lot of boxes for Premier League clubs.
“We know Everton are looking to strengthen their attacking options after they failed during the summer, so Kofane is likely to be high on their wanted list in 2027.”
However, Leverkusen may be hesitant to sanction a departure this winter, and given their lack of options, the Toffees cannot afford to wait until the summer if they want to be successful this season.
Should the Toffees be able to tempt the German side into a sale, the Cameroon international could be a real statement signing, having received major plaudits from journalist Eduardo Hagn and scout Jacek Kulig who heralded him as “one of Europe’s most exciting strikers.”
Just 20-years-old, the youngster has often been used as a substitute during the early stages of the campaign, but he has managed to impress when called upon, chipping in with three goals in six matches for Bayer Leverkusen across all competitions.
As such, it is no surprise potential suitors are lining up to secure his signature this winter, with Aston Villa also being named as an interested party.