The end of Barry & Beto: Everton offered chance to sign new striker for £40m

Thierno Barry and Beto found the net in the same match for Everton for the first time on Sunday, but their goals offered little consolation as the Toffees suffered a 4-2 Premier League defeat to Brentford.

Barry, who started the game, scored his third league goal of the season, while Beto came off the bench to register only his second of the campaign.

Despite both forwards getting on the scoresheet, their combined return of just five goals this season is underwhelming — particularly considering Everton’s significant investment of £27m on Barry and £26m on Beto to strengthen their attacking options.

David Moyes has struggled to extract consistent performances from his two primary centre-forwards, and that lack of reliability is becoming a growing concern given their combined £53m price tag.

Everton offered opportunity to sign new striker

Everton could shake up their forward line this January by adding another striker to the squad — potentially pushing both Barry and Beto out of the starting XI.

According to TEAMtalk, the Toffees are among several Premier League clubs monitoring Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen.

The report suggests Wolves are open to selling the Norway international during the winter window as they battle relegation, wary that his market value could drop further if they go down.

Everton, along with Newcastle United, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Fulham, have reportedly been informed of his availability.

Despite turning down a bid close to £60m from Newcastle in the summer, Wolves are now said to be willing to listen to offers in the region of £40m.

Why Strand Larsen could replace Barry and Beto

At first glance, Strand Larsen’s current return of one goal in 18 Premier League appearances may not appear convincing.

However, that tally has come in a struggling Wolves side that has managed just one win and six points all season, suggesting the striker’s form has suffered alongside the team’s wider collapse.

His previous numbers indicate there is more to his game than this season’s output suggests. During the 2024/25 campaign, the 25-year-old scored 14 goals from an expected goals tally of 10.27, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal. Only nine players scored more than him in the league that season.

By comparison, Beto netted eight times in 30 league appearances last term, while neither he nor Barry has ever surpassed 11 goals in a single league season across their careers.

That lack of proven scoring consistency raises doubts over their long-term suitability as Everton’s leading striker.

Strand Larsen’s performances for Celta Vigo and Wolves across the past two full seasons underline his greater attacking threat. Even during a difficult campaign, he has shown the qualities required to succeed in a top European league.

Described as a “proper No.9” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Norwegian also contributed seven assists across those two seasons. In contrast, Barry and Beto have managed just five assists between them in all competitions since the start of the 2024/25 season.

With proven Premier League experience and a stronger all-round attacking profile, the £40m-rated forward could quickly establish himself as David Moyes’ first-choice striker.

His arrival would likely spell the end of Barry and Beto as regular starters, making him a potentially transformative signing.

Everton should therefore look to move decisively before the January window closes, hoping to revive Strand Larsen’s best form and finally add a reliable goalscorer to their front line.