Everton have finally put their relegation worries behind them, and under David Moyes, the focus has shifted towards something much bigger: European football. However, if the Toffees are serious about competing among the Premier League’s top sides, there is one major issue they still need to address.
They need a reliable goal-scoring machine.
I believe Everton have spent far too long searching for a striker capable of delivering the kind of goals Romelu Lukaku once provided at Goodison Park. Almost a decade after the Belgian’s departure, nobody has truly managed to fill that enormous void.
And with reports now linking the Merseyside club with an exciting young striker, 2027 could finally be the year that changes.
Everton are still searching for their next Lukaku
There is no denying that Lukaku remains the benchmark for Everton’s modern-day strikers.
The Belgian enjoyed a phenomenal spell on Merseyside, scoring 87 goals and providing 27 assists in 166 appearances. At his best, he was almost impossible to contain, giving Everton a genuine attacking threat capable of troubling any defence.
Since his departure in 2017, however, the club have struggled to find anyone capable of matching that output.
Richarlison became a fan favourite and delivered some important performances, particularly during Everton’s battles against relegation. However, even his best campaign produced 14 goals in all competitions, considerably short of Lukaku’s best return of 26.
Others, including Cenk Tosun and Salomon Rondon, failed to make the desired impact.
Thierno Barry is the latest striker hoping to change that narrative. The Frenchman has shown encouraging signs, scoring three goals in eight appearances this season after a difficult first campaign.
I like what Barry could potentially become, but Everton’s European ambitions demand more than potential. They need a forward who can consistently deliver 20 goals a season.
Everton identify a potential goal-scoring machine
According to TeamTalk, Everton could have identified their next attacking solution in Belgium, with Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi emerging as a transfer target.
And I can understand why the Toffees are reportedly so impressed.
The 22-year-old German has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, registering eight goals in 10 games. That follows an impressive return of 13 goals last season, suggesting that his development is moving in the right direction.
What makes the reported interest even more intriguing is his comparison with Lukaku’s record in Belgium.
| Statistic | Romelu Lukaku | Nicolo Tresoldi |
| Games | 98 | 73 |
| Goals | 41 | 36 |
| Assists | 16 | 10 |
Those numbers make for interesting reading. Tresoldi is already approaching Lukaku’s Belgian goal contribution figures despite having played considerably fewer matches.
Of course, translating that form into the Premier League is an entirely different challenge. Nevertheless, I would argue that his numbers offer Everton plenty of reasons to investigate a potential move.
The ‘Luis Suarez regen’ could transform Everton’s attack
Tresoldi has even been described as a ‘Suarez regen’ by scout Jacek Kulig, a comparison that certainly raises expectations.
While Everton supporters might not particularly enjoy the association with a former Liverpool star, the qualities behind that comparison are precisely what Moyes should want in his attack.
Everton need a striker who can make the difference in tight games, consistently threaten opposition defences and turn chances into goals.
Tresoldi could potentially offer that.
There is also the question of competition. Reports suggest that several Champions League clubs are monitoring the German, meaning Everton could face a difficult battle if they decide to pursue his signature in 2027.
However, I would consider this a transfer worth fighting for.
With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George and Jack Grealish providing creativity and attacking quality, Everton appear to have the foundations of an exciting frontline.
What remains missing is that ruthless goalscorer who can turn their creative work into consistent results.
Barry may yet develop into an important player for Moyes, but Tresoldi’s current scoring record makes him an intriguing alternative.
If Everton can convince the youngster to choose Merseyside over their European rivals, they could finally have the goal-scoring machine they have been searching for since Lukaku left.
For a club dreaming of European football, this is exactly the kind of transfer ambition I want to see.