Everton manager David Moyes faces a few challenges this summer, most notably set to lose a number of players, experienced ones at that, with Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of contract at the end of this month.
With both looking likely to depart, Moyes will need to bring in replacements to bolster his defensive and attacking options.
Jack Grealish could reportedly head to the Toffees, although his wage demands and asking price may deter the Merseyside club.
Another player who Moyes is keen on is Villarreal star Thierno Barry, and he could strengthen Everton’s frontline.
The club are also considering a move for another forward, however, and he could be an even better signing than Barry.
Everton considering move for Barry upgrade
Much will depend on the money that Moyes has available to him this summer. With Profit and Sustainability regulations to be mindful of, the manager will have to spend wisely.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are now considering making a move for Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade in a bid to bolster their attack.
The Bundesliga striker would be available for a transfer fee of £42m. Whether this is in Moyes’ budget remains to be seen.
He is exactly what the club needs, however. Everton finished the 2024/25 Premier League season with just 42 goals scored, the lowest of any team outside the relegation zone.
As such, a move for Woltemade could be vital if Moyes aims to get his team scoring more next term.
How Nick Woltemade compares to Thierno Barry
Barry scored 16 goals for Villarreal last season, having made the move from FC Basel in the summer. He is also capable of playing out on the right wing, a position which Moyes is desperate to strengthen in the summer.
While the Frenchman would be an excellent signing, pursuing Woltemade is perhaps the better idea.
In their respective domestic leagues last season, the German not only registered a better shots on target percentage (50% vs 36%) than Barry, but he also recorded more shots on target per 90 (1.28 vs 1.09) and registered way more shot-creating actions (4.38 vs 1.78) than the versatile Frenchman.
Woltemade also recorded a 25% goal conversion rate in the Bundesliga last term, whereas Barry’s was only 15% in La Liga.
The German also created more big chances (eight vs seven) and succeeded with more dribbles (1.1 vs 0.5) domestically.
These statistics point towards Woltemade being the most attractive signing for Moyes this summer.
|
Barry vs Woltemade last season (league only) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric |
Barry |
Woltemade |
|
Goals |
11 |
12 |
|
Assists |
4 |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
7 |
8 |
|
Key passes per game |
0.7 |
1.3 |
|
Shots per game |
2.1 |
1.8 |
|
Scoring frequency (minutes) |
211 |
136 |
Hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango as “exceptional” following a stunning season for Stuttgart, Moyes would be signing a player with a bright future indeed.
Everton aren’t his only suitors, however, and this could make life difficult for the manager as he eyes up a swoop.
He could be an incredible signing and would prove that the Toffees mean business next season in the Premier League.
The next few weeks will be interesting to say the least. Watch this space, Everton fans.
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