Everton have ambitions of gatecrashing the European places in 2025/26, and to achieve their aims, signing a new striker is necessary.

The Toffees have struggled to find a consistent goalscorer this term, seeing Beto and Thierno Barry struggle in front of goal.

While Beto has netted just twice in all competitions, Barry hasn’t got off the mark since completing a summer transfer from Villarreal.

Everton have been linked to Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney in an attempt to fix that problem, although his monstrous wages put his dream of returning to England’s top-flight in doubt.

That is why David Moyes is plotting an ambitious move for a youngster who is flying in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

What the Bologna boss said about Everton target Santiago Castro

On Sunday (November 23), it emerged that Everton are plotting a bid north of £31million to sign Santiago Castro from Serie A side Bologna.

Castro scored the winning goal in the Coppa Italia final in May to end Bologna’s 51-year trophy drought, and the 21-year-old has taken his game to a new level this season.

In contrast to Beto, who could leave Everton in January, the clinical Argentine would surely be tempted by a move to the Premier League after watching Joshua Zirkzee join Manchester United from Bologna.

To add excitement to the links, Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano spoke highly of Castro in February 2025 and claimed he has a ‘bright future’ in the game.

“Let’s not forget he’s just turned twenty,” the Bologna boss said via TMW. “He’s a boy who, given how he trains, his hunger, and the desire he puts into training, can really become a top player.

“He’s showing the qualities of a true center-forward, but he also adds great sacrifices for the team and often has the ability to make himself available for everyone. I’m convinced he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Castro likened to Carlos Tevez

Everton fans will be encouraged by Italiano’s comments on the 2004-born finisher, and even more excited by comparisons to Carlos Tevez.

Como first-team scout Ben Mattison labelled Castro as ‘Tevez 2.0’ when discussing his stocky build in 2024, and supporters will hope he can become as clinical as the Argentine if he joins.

Tevez became one of the Premier League’s best modern-day strikers with 84 goals in 202 appearances during spells at West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Castro will arguably want to emulate the 41-year-old’s career at the top, and he can begin his ascent by moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Everton news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews