Everton’s return to Premier League action is marked by careful optimism.
The move to a new home at Hildickinson Stadium saw a 2-0 victory over Brighton, with newly arrived Jack Grelish from Manchester City stealing the show with two assists.
David Moe’s team followed with another professional 2-0 victory in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town, hinting at early momentum before seeing the Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s 3-2 victory.
However, the losses on the opening day of the season on Elland Road reminded us of the challenges ahead.
The team is in transition and has several famous departures, including Abdoulaye Doucouré, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young.
For Moe, who led West Ham to European silverware before returning to Merseyside, the task is clear. Mold this group into sides that can be competed on the top half of the table.
Alongside Grelish, Toffee added Villarreal forward Tiano Barry, Chelsea midfielder Chianan Deucebury Hall and Southampton prospect Tyler Dives.
These signatures inject fresh energy, but Everton’s attack still partially rests on BETO. Beto’s output was not normally expected.
The quest for greater firepower has led Everton to monitor European options.
Scouts have been busy these past few weeks, with one name particularly distinguished.
Search for Everton Strikers
According to African feet, Everton is one of several Premier League clubs defending Franklino Jeux’s tab, and FC Midzielland is enjoying the breakout season in Denmark.
The 21-year-old exploded with nine goals and two assists in his first 10 appearances of the 2025/26 campaign.
Talent Scout Jacek Kulig went to describe the youngster as “unstopping” after a furious run of six goals and two assists in just three games.
Interest is not limited to the UK. Bundesliga Giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, and Serie a Outfit Fiorentina, all track the Guinea Bissau-born striker.
The report suggests that a fee will be near 20 million euros (£17 million) to say goodbye to Midzilland to the Starlet.
Everton was interested earlier this month after sending his scouts to Denmark to see him in person.
With Beto having a consistently difficulties delivering, Moyes and his recruitment staff are keen to add more potency in the final third.
DJU, who joined Benfica’s mid-zilland in 2023, represents the type of profile they lack. He’s young, dynamic, and full of confidence in front of the goal.
How Franculino dju compares to Beto
A comparison between Everton’s current lead striker and his latest target is reported.
Now 27, Beto has enough physical presence at 1.94m and rarely misses a game with injuries, but his Premier League numbers highlight his limits, scoring just 12 goals in 63 appearances.
BETO-Statistics 2024/25 | |
|---|---|
Matches played | 30 |
the goal | 8 |
Progressive Carry | 15 |
Progressive Pass | 16 |
Shot to create an action | 26 |
Source: FBREF | |
Data from FBREF ranks at the 74th percentile of total shots per 90 (2.87) and at the 97th percentile that Aviation Dale won (5.81 per 90), highlighting his role as a traditional target man.
However, despite his air strength and reliability of accumulation, his finish is inconsistent. DJUs offer very different profiles.
At 1.86m he has the physical attributes to compete in the Premier League, but importantly, he combines this with greater mobility and a more keen instinct in front of goals.
Last season, he managed 11 goals and three assists in 28 league appearances. These are stable numbers for players to adapt to senior football.
However, the term has skyrocketed in his production. He has nine goals and two assists in just 11 games, making him the most clinical forward in Super Rigaen.
A statistical comparison between the two highlights why Everton considers 21 years old an upgrade. DJU averages 3.32 shots per 90 compared to BETO’s 2.87, but 1.50 shots on target per 90 earns 1.35 for Portuguese forwards.
When it comes to goal involvement, the contrast is even sharper. DJU contributed to 22 last season in all competitions ahead of Beto’s 13 return.
These numbers highlight the ability to not only get opportunities, but also translate them into concrete results.
Beyond metrics, there is also the issue of trajectory. Beto, still his prime year, has been suffering since his arrival in England.
Meanwhile, DJUs are on an upward curve, attracting attention from clubs operating at the top of the European competition.
For Everton, securing him represents a long-term investment in players that will not only provide immediate injections of the target, but also increase their value.
There are also stylistic factors to consider.
Moyes’ teams traditionally thrive with diligent advancements that allow them to extend their defense, connect play, and apply relentless pressure.
DJU’s performance in Denmark suggests he has the energy and power to play the role.
His background at Benfica, famous for producing technically talented attackers, also brings a level of calm and ball control that will help Everton build more fluid offensive movements.
Of course, the competition for his signature would be fierce.
In particular, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund offer the appeal of Champions League football, while Fiorentina and Stuttgart can point to their track record in developing young forwards.
But Everton has one advantage. Under a manager with a proven history of trustworthy players he believes in, the usual Premier League minutes promise.
The appeal is clear as Toffee wants to go ahead from his overly reliance on Beto.
Franculino dju may not be a common name yet, but his numbers, profile and all potential points are in the same direction.
If Everton could trade on the line, they might have found a positive that could unleash new chapters in a state-of-the-art new home.