Everton head into Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham still hunting for a reliable centre-forward — a problem the club has wrestled with since the sale of Romelu Lukaku in 2017. Despite signing 17 strikers at a combined cost of almost £160m over the past decade, the Blues are yet to find a consistent goalscorer to lead the line.
The Striker Dilemma
Since Lukaku’s departure, Everton have scored 357 Premier League goals, fewer than any other ever-present club. Even with summer signings Thierno Barry (£27m) and Beto (£21.5m), goal-scoring struggles persist: the pair have combined for just one goal in 16 league games this season.
Manager David Moyes has repeatedly been forced to make tactical adjustments mid-game, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty at centre-forward. While Beto has shown flashes — including a flurry of goals in February 2025 — he has also missed simple chances, frustrating fans and pundits alike.
“Beto epitomises the struggle,” says podcast host Mike Richards. “He won’t be the 20-goal-a-season striker we crave. Barry is a young talent who needs patience and development.”
Past Striker Signings
Everton’s striker signings since 2017 have seen mixed success:
- Richarlison scored 43 Premier League goals but was sold to Tottenham in 2022 due to financial pressures.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin excelled early but struggled with injuries in later seasons.
- Moise Kean, Cenk Tosun, Neal Maupay, Salomon Rondon, Joshua King, Enner Valencia, Armando Broja, Sandro Ramirez all failed to establish themselves as long-term solutions.
Even promising acquisitions like Oumar Niasse only offered short-term glimpses of potential.
“Being a striker at Everton is high pressure,” Niasse reflected. “You have to respond every week. It’s not easy to meet the expectations.”
Financial Constraints and Recruitment Strategy
Everton’s financial limitations contributed to the ongoing striker problem. Under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club generated £85.5m in trading profit between 2021-22 and 2024-25, limiting spending on top forwards.
Following the Friedkin takeover, Everton spent a record £97m in the summer, though this was spread across nine players. High-profile targets like Liam Delap were missed, highlighting the challenge of competing in the Premier League’s striker market, where top forwards command massive fees.
The club’s strategy has leaned towards developing young talent, such as Barry (22) and Tyler Dibling (19), who may provide goals in the future or be sold for profit.
Replacing ‘Big Rom’
Lukaku’s record — 68 Premier League goals in 141 games — remains unmatched by any Everton forward since. Even prolific strikers like Richarlison or Calvert-Lewin fell short of replicating the Belgian’s output. Finding a player capable of leading the line consistently remains Everton’s long-term priority.
Looking Ahead
With Everton seeking first major silverware since 1995 or European qualification since 2017, the January transfer window may present an opportunity to bolster the attack. Any new signing will need to combine immediate goal-scoring ability with the potential for long-term development.
Everton’s search for a dependable striker continues — a problem costing the club £160m so far, but one they hope to finally solve.
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