Red hot striker’s agent confirms Everton want to sign him in January, record deal possible
Everton are preparing to strengthen their attacking options in January despite Thierno Barry’s outstanding form under David Moyes.
The Toffees have climbed to fifth in the Premier League following three consecutive victories, with Barry emerging as one of the division’s most dangerous forwards.
However, the club’s failure to replace Beto following his departure late in the summer transfer window has left Moyes with limited alternatives through the middle.
Thierno Barry scores twice as Everton beat Coventry City
Everton continued their impressive run on Friday evening, recovering from a goal down to defeat Coventry City 3-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Yann Gboho gave Frank Lampard’s side the lead shortly after half-time, but Barry responded with two goals in quick succession before setting up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to complete the comeback.
The Frenchman has now scored ten times across all competitions this season, with his latest performance helping Moyes celebrate victory in his 592nd match as Everton manager, equalling Harry Catterick’s club record.
Speaking after the game, Barry expressed his determination to maintain his remarkable goalscoring form.
“I’m very happy. When we came today, we wanted to win, and we won. And I scored two goals, so it’s good. I wanted to score today and I scored, so I’m just happy!
“I just try to do my best every time when I come into the games. I want to score every game. In the last game, I think I could’ve scored more, but today, I think I scored all my chances.
“It’s the job of the striker to score. I’m in good form at the moment. I want to stay like this and score lots of goals this season.”
Despite Barry’s contributions, Everton remain short of depth in attack following Beto’s exit.
Moyes was left frustrated when the club failed to secure a replacement before the summer deadline, with a proposed move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun ultimately failing to materialise.
That has made recruiting another centre-forward an obvious priority for January, particularly with Everton hoping to maintain their challenge for European qualification.
Vitor Roque’s agent confirms Everton interest ahead of January
According to reports in Brazil, via Sport Witness, Everton are interested in signing Palmeiras forward Vitor Roque when the transfer window reopens.
The 21-year-old’s representative, André Cury, has confirmed that the Merseyside club are among those considering a move for his client, who has attracted considerable attention from several European sides.
Speaking about the growing interest in Roque, Cury said: “There are many clubs in Europe interested in Vitor.”
Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have also contacted the Brazilian’s representatives, meaning Everton could face significant competition for his signature.
Roque is under contract with Palmeiras until December 2029, putting the Brazilian side in a strong negotiating position should offers arrive.
The club have reportedly established a minimum asking price of €50m (£42m), before they would entertain discussions over a potential sale.
Such a fee would represent an enormous investment for Everton, potentially eclipsing the club-record £45m paid to Swansea City for Gylfi Sigurdsson in 2017.
Another complication is that Barcelona retained a 20 per cent share of Roque’s economic rights when selling him to Palmeiras, giving the Brazilian club additional reason to demand a substantial sum.
Everton’s owners, the Friedkin Group, are exploring a potential sale of the club, although they have reportedly indicated that Moyes will receive backing during the January window.
Roque could form exciting partnership with Barry
Although Roque endured a difficult spell at Barcelona, he has rebuilt his reputation since returning to Brazil in February 2025.
The forward has registered 29 goals and eight assists in 96 appearances for Palmeiras, including 20 goals during an impressive first season with the club.
His progress has been disrupted by an ankle injury this year, resulting in surgery and a lengthy absence, but he has still managed nine goals in 2026.
|
Roque’s career so far |
Apps |
Goals |
Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Palmeiras |
96 |
29 |
8 |
|
Athletico Paranaense |
81 |
28 |
11 |
|
Real Betis |
33 |
7 |
2 |
|
Cruzeiro |
16 |
6 |
1 |
|
Barcelona |
16 |
2 |
0 |
|
Brazil |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
244 |
72 |
22 |
More importantly for Everton, Roque could offer something different to Barry rather than simply arriving as another option to lead the line.
The Brazilian is comfortable operating through the middle but can also move into wider areas, using his acceleration to exploit gaps in opposition defences.
He is particularly dangerous when running beyond the back line, potentially making him an excellent partner for a striker who thrives on attacking crosses and finishing chances inside the penalty area.
Barry demonstrated those qualities against Coventry, converting deliveries from Vitalii Mykolenko and Tyrique George before showing his creativity with an assist for Dewsbury-Hall.
Roque’s movement could create additional space for the Frenchman, while his willingness to press defenders would also suit the intensity Moyes expects from his players.
The Palmeiras attacker has previously enjoyed success alongside Flaco López, demonstrating that he can operate effectively in a partnership with a more traditional centre-forward.
There are financial and fitness risks attached to a potential move, but Everton would be gaining a versatile young forward capable of adding another dimension to an attack already benefiting from Barry’s outstanding form.
