Everton manager David Moyes is targeting a move for prolific Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri in a bid to solve his side's acute goalscoring problems.
Striking Struggles Highlighted in Cup Defeat
The need for a reliable finisher was thrown into sharp relief as Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sunderland on penalties. Both of the club's current centre-forwards, Thierno Barry and Beto, missed from the spot in the shootout. Their contributions in the league have been equally concerning, with the pair managing just three goals each this entire season.
In total, Everton's central strikers have scored only six times across all competitions. The team's form is alarming, having found the net just four times in their last six matches, despite a summer spending spree that exceeded £100 million.
The Proven Scorer on Moyes's Radar
The solution, as identified by Moyes and the Everton recruitment team, is 28-year-old Youssef En-Nesyri. The Fenerbahce forward is a seasoned goalscorer with an impressive recent record.
Last season in Turkey, En-Nesyri registered an outstanding 30 goals. Prior to that, during a successful four-year spell with Sevilla, he netted 67 times and played a key role in two of the club's UEFA Europa League triumphs.
His pedigree extends to the international stage, where he has scored 25 goals for Morocco. He was instrumental in their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and has recently helped them reach the last four of the current African Cup of Nations.
Transfer Battle and Financial Context
Everton face competition for his signature, with Nottingham Forest also showing a firm interest in the player. As of Wednesday, 14 January 2026, the Merseyside club has not yet formalised their interest with a bid, but their pursuit is active.
This potential move comes after Everton invested heavily last summer, including a £27 million fee to sign Thierno Barry. The pursuit of En-Nesyri signals a clear admission that their previous offensive recruitment has not yielded the required results, and Moyes is now seeking a proven, clinical operator to lead the line.
