David Moyes has signed only three players for Everton this summer, but as the weeks progress, there will likely be several more making the move to Merseyside.
More importantly, however, is the news that Moyes managed to secure defender Jarrad Branthwaite down to a new four-year contract extension with the Toffees.
This could be crucial regarding Everton’s chances of breaking back into the top half of the Premier League table next season, especially with several clubs sniffing around the player.
It proves that the club are heading in the right direction, especially judging by the quality of their signings.
Carlos Alcaraz did spend time on loan at Everton last season, but his permanent move will improve Moyes’ midfield options.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract, signing another striker or two was a key priority for the manager.
As such, a deal to secure the signature of Thierno Barry was completed a couple of weeks ago.
The centre-forward may have cost the Toffees around £27m from La Liga side Villarreal, but this may just turn out to be a wise piece of business.
Why Everton signed Thierno Barry
While Calvert-Lewin didn’t exactly bring goals to the side last season – scoring only three all season – losing a forward meant Moyes had to be active in the transfer market.
Barry was the player earmarked as a major target, and for good reason. Last season, the French starlet scored 19 goals and grabbed four assists for Villarreal across all competitions.
Furthermore, the striker also showcased his creative side by creating seven big chances for his teammates, proving that he offers much more than just a goal threat.
He played in the U21 European Championship for France this summer, scoring once for his country as they reached the semi-finals before bowing out to Germany.
Despite averaging just 37 minutes per game for France, Barry also created two big chances, averaged two shots per game and missed four big chances.
If given more of a chance in the team, he may have had a bigger influence, no doubt about that.
This all sets him up nicely for the 2025/26 season, where he will be taking on some of the finest defenders in the world.
Should Barry live up to his potential, Moyes may have unearthed a stunning talent who will certainly secure them a stunning profit in the coming years.
While a promising signing, the Frenchman wont be able to lead the Toffees’ frontline on his own, especially with the pressure to score plenty during his maiden season.
Moyes must now be looking to bring in another centre-forward ahead of the new season, one who could offer similar sort of qualities to those of Barry.
With this in mind, it appears the Scot is targeting a move for someone who shone in what was their debut season in European football.
Everton enquire about move for new striker
Moyes was keen on signing Evan Ferguson from Brighton and Hove Albion, but that ship has now sailed with the Irishman bound for AS Roma. Additionally, Nick Woltemade was also a target, but Bayern Munich were also keen on the German.
One striker who has been on the club’s list for some time is Hamza Igamane, who shone for Glasgow Rangers last season.
Indeed, it was after his performance against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024 that initially saw the Toffees linked with the Moroccan.
While a January move was never in the question, it looks as though Igamane could be on the move this summer.
It looked as though Lille were closing in on the youngster, but according to reports on the continent, Moyes might well be back in the frame for him.
The report read: “LOSC Lille struggling in their negotiations with Rangers for Hamza Igamane. Despite a personal agreement with the Moroccan, the deal’s still on hold. In the meantime, Feyenoord entered the race. Everton and Udinese have also made enquiries.”
Rangers have placed a £20m valuation on one of their prized assets, but this shouldn’t be an issue to the Merseyside outfit.
Should Everton win the race, Igamane could turn out to be Barry 2.0 given their similarities on the pitch.
Why Everton must sign Hamza Igamane
Igamane certainly made his mark for Rangers last season. Across 46 games in all competitions, he scored 16 goals, including strikes against Celtic, Spurs and Nice.
It is no wonder several clubs are chasing his signature after his performances for the Gers, especially in Europe.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
12
4
Assists
1
1
Goal conversion percentage
13%
29%
Big chances created
10
1
Shots per game
2.6
1.4
In the Europa League, Igamane recorded an impressive 29% goal conversion percentage, while also registering 1.4 shots on goal.
Ben Mattinson hailed his character last season, saying: “Hamza Igamane is such a Barclaysman type forward. Completely unpredictable, tonnes of flair and trickery. The type of player to try outrageous moves/shots just because.”
Interestingly, both he and Barry offered similar traits last season. According to FBref, both players performed well in front of goal, registering 18 and 20 goal contributions across both domestic and European competitions.
Elsewhere, the duo also registered similar figures when it came to shots per 90 (3.88 vs 3.02), shot on target percentage (39% vs 36%), goal-creating actions (4 vs 6 ) and successful take-ons (17 vs 18) last season.
This proves that the pair won’t just offer Everton a threat in front of goal, but that they can also create chances for others and are willing to take on opposition defenders on a regular basis.
With both Barry and Igamane in the same team, there is no reason why Everton can’t make the top half of the Premier League next season.
Indeed, if both players take to the top flight with ease, can a European place perhaps be secured also? It is a long shot, but Moyes has finally rejuvenated the club after years of stagnation.
Another striker is crucial. By bringing in Igamane, Moyes will be able to replicate his Barry masterclass.
Everton in contact to sign "fantastic" defender who pocketed Calvert-Lewin
The Toffees are in the hunt for defensive reinforcements…
BySean Markus Clifford