Everton started the 2026/27 campaign with belief under David Moyes, but their striker situation is already screaming for a serious fix. Beto’s gone, the proposed £40 million move for Folarin Balogun collapsed hard on deadline day, leaving the Toffees staring down the barrel with just one senior centre-forward: 23-year-old Thierno Barry. This shortage makes the next recruitment call absolutely critical for the whole season.
The Striker Shortage and the Options on the Table
Football FanCast is already buzzing about alternatives, throwing 21-year-old Danish striker Conrad Harder into the ring as a potential option to Mauro Icardi. Harder, currently on loan at Strasbourg from RB Leipzig, offers a totally different vibe than what you’d expect from an immediate fix. Moyes needs to make a decision, and fast, on who steps up. Does he go for the quick, proven solution or roll the dice on a long-term play?
The £22 Million Gamble on Harder
Harder is definitely a project, requiring patience, but his profile is something Moyes could really mold. This young Dane’s got the height, aerial ability, and a willingness to fight for balls into the box. These qualities scream “perfect fit” for a side thriving on direct service and physical battles. His time at RB Leipzig saw limited starts, but his efficiency in those minutes reportedly stacked up favorably against Richarlison. That’s a statistic that makes you pay attention, even if it doesn’t guarantee Premier League glory. A reported £22 million valuation is a serious chunk of change, especially for a club already thin at centre-forward. But his age changes the game: Everton could snag a long-term starter instead of a temporary patch. The kicker? He just joined Strasbourg for this season, so any January move means getting Leipzig, Strasbourg, and the player all on board. That’s a tough ask, and Everton can’t afford to get bogged down when immediate results are needed.
The Hard Choice: Harder or Icardi?
So, should Everton make the bold move for Harder over Icardi? If the club can iron out sensible terms and a workable January deal, Harder is the way to go. Icardi offers undeniable certainty in front of goal, and his experience would give Moyes an immediate boost. But a short-term signing like Icardi just fixes today’s fire without building for tomorrow. Harder’s riskier, no doubt. At 21, he’ll need time, adaptation, and consistent service before producing regularly in England. Everton needs more than just cover for Barry. They need a striker who can become a cornerstone of Moyes’ next-gen side. Icardi only makes sense if Barry gets sidelined or if that top-seven push starts slipping hard. Otherwise, dropping £22 million on Harder is the braver, smarter call overall, even if Everton accepts his instant impact might be delayed.
This isn’t just about finding another striker; it’s about defining the future of Moyes’ Everton. The club is at a crossroads, needing to balance immediate demands with the vision for a stronger squad. The next weeks could reveal just how badly they need a long-term solution, or if a short-term patch is all they can afford to chase their goals this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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