Everton are reportedly lining up a potential €50 million January move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque, which could trigger a sell-on payment to Barcelona. Everton are keen on bringing in a new centre-forward after the summer window left David Moyes with just one recognised striker, Thierno Barry.
Everton's Striker Situation
After the summer window, David Moyes was left with just one recognised striker at Everton, Thierno Barry. Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina. Everton came close to replacing Beto with Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, but their move for Balogun collapsed on deadline day. Thierno Barry has scored 10 goals across all competitions for Everton this season. Thierno Barry is described as one of the Premier League’s form strikers.
Interest in Vitor Roque
Reports from Brazil, as cited by Sport Witness, state that Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque is on Everton’s shortlist. TEAMtalk reports that Everton are interested in Vitor Roque. Everton are reportedly lining up a big-money move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque. Palmeiras appear open to selling Vitor Roque in January, but only if their price tag is met. Palmeiras are said to value Vitor Roque at a minimum of €50 million.
Roque's Profile and Barcelona Sell-on
Vitor Roque is 21 years old. Vitor Roque has scored 29 goals in 97 appearances for Palmeiras. Barcelona paid around €30 million, without add-ons, to sign Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in 2022. Vitor Roque was sold by Barcelona to Palmeiras three years after they signed him. Before being sold to Palmeiras, Vitor Roque had a largely underwhelming loan spell with Real Betis. Sport Witness note that when Barcelona sold Vitor Roque to Palmeiras, they secured a sell-on clause worth 20% if the transfer fee exceeds €41 million. A €50 million transfer of Vitor Roque to Everton would equate to a €10 million windfall for Barcelona under the sell-on clause described. Barcelona already recouped €25.5 million by selling Vitor Roque to Palmeiras. Barcelona’s financial issues are described as well-known, and any money they could recoup from Vitor Roque would help them strengthen their squad. TEAMtalk states that Barcelona will be keeping a close eye on Everton’s reported interest in Vitor Roque. Andre Cury (Roque’s agent) said: "There are many European clubs interested in Vitor."
Other Striker Targets
Everton are considering multiple striker targets in addition to Vitor Roque. Everton are described as big admirers of Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi. Signing Nicolo Tresoldi could prove difficult for Everton amid growing competition. Everton’s wider striker search includes Dinamo Zagreb’s Dion Beljo. Dion Beljo’s prolific scoring record and 6ft5in frame have attracted attention from several Premier League sides. Everton’s wider striker search includes Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul. Everton are described as having some of the strongest interest in Esteban Lepaul. Real Sociedad’s Orri Óskarsson is another striker being monitored by Everton. It is described as too early to say whether Vitor Roque will be the player Everton focus on in the January window.
