Everton are in desperate need of a new striker as Beto looks set to leave in the January transfer window.

Beto has severely underperformed for Everton since he joined the Toffees in 2023, and he now seems primed for a move away from L4 in January.

Everton thought they fixed their striker woes when they signed Thierno Barry from Villarreal in the summer, although he is still waiting for his first goal this season.

Reports have emerged that Everton are strongly maintaining their interest in Bologna striker Santiago Castro.

Everton in talks to sign Santiago Castro from Bologna

Barry’s struggles in front of goal and Beto’s inconsistency from close range have left Everton with the need to buy a new number nine.

TEAMtalk reported that the Toffees are keeping a close eye on Castro as they look to bolster their attacking options.

It would likely take a bid north of £31million for Bologna to consider letting him go, and with his salary being only £18,000 a week, he could be tempted by a move to the Toffees.

Beto and Castro’s league stats this seasonCastro scored the winning goal in the Coppa Italia final in May to end Bologna’s 51-year trophy drought, and he has taken his game to a new level this season.

The Portuguese striker has only scored once this campaign, and it simply isn’t enough for a team that is looking to finish in the top half of the table.

Beto is now linked with West Ham over a potential loan-to-buy deal, and the Toffees would be thrilled if they could offload the 28-year-old to raise funds for Castro’s arrival.

Everton have been incredibly reliant on Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye in the final third, and it has highlighted how much a reliable striker could elevate the team.

How will Beto be remembered by Everton fans?

Beto’s commitment to Everton and the work rate that he provides has never been in question, but it’s the end product that strikers will always be judged on.

As per stats by Sofascore, the Guinea-Bissau international has underperformed his xG by 2.89, and it’s clear that Everton’s league position would be much better if they had just one clinical striker.

In games against Man City and Tottenham, Beto missed several gilt-edged chances that could have changed the course of those matches that ended in defeat.

Should he leave in January, he would be remembered with appreciation, but not too many fans will be sad over his departure.

If Everton were to land the signing of Castro, then Beto could be forgotten very quickly in L4.

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