The January transfer window looms, and speculation surrounding Everton striker Beto continues to swirl.
Despite limited opportunities under manager Sean Dyche, reports linking the Portuguese forward with a potential exit—most notably to Roma—have been firmly debunked. The club has taken a clear stance on the striker’s future, signaling that Beto remains part of their plans as the team battles to climb the Premier League table.
Game Time Limited, Rumors Swirl
Beto, 26, has struggled to secure regular minutes at Goodison Park. Stuck behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order, he is yet to start a Premier League game this season. Compounding his situation, Everton’s recent loan acquisition of Armando Broja has added more competition for the striker role, further limiting Beto’s opportunities. Broja, returning from injury, is expected to rejoin the squad soon, potentially squeezing Beto’s role even further.
Roma Interest and Swap Deal Claims
Reports out of Italy, particularly from RomaLive, suggested a possible swap deal involving Beto and Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante. The proposal appeared logical given The Friedkin Group’s anticipated takeover of Everton—The Friedkins also own Roma, fueling speculation about a potential link between the clubs. However, sources close to Roma have dismissed the swap as “really unlikely,” emphasizing that Cristante is not available for a mid-season move.
Monitoring by Roma but No Concrete Moves
Roma’s interest in Beto is not entirely unfounded. The Serie A side is actively scouting for a striker to compete with Artem Dovbyk, and Beto is among the players they are monitoring. However, as TEAMtalk transfer expert Rudy Galetti reports, Roma’s focus extends beyond the Everton forward, and a deal for Beto remains far from imminent.
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Friedkin Group Takeover Sparks More Speculation
Everton’s impending takeover by The Friedkin Group has added fuel to the fire of transfer rumors. Recent reports even suggested the new ownership could loan out Beto to streamline the squad and address financial constraints. However, insiders at Everton have rejected these claims, stating there are no plans to loan or sell the Portuguese striker in January.
Everton’s Firm Stance on Beto
Despite his limited involvement this season, Everton’s hierarchy views Beto as an important squad member. With a thin squad and the team hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, the Toffees are unwilling to part ways with the striker. Sources close to the club confirm that Everton has no intention of offloading Beto, especially with a challenging second half of the season ahead.
January Transfer Plans: Quiet Window Ahead
Everton is not expected to be particularly active in the January transfer market, either in terms of arrivals or departures. The club’s focus is squarely on stability, particularly with the constraints of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. The upcoming operational review by The Friedkin Group will also play a significant role in shaping the club’s direction under its new ownership.
Focus on Contract Renewals
One immediate priority for the new regime will be deciding the futures of eight first-team players whose contracts expire at the end of the season. Balancing the need for squad depth with financial prudence will be a key challenge as Everton aims to stabilize its position both on and off the pitch.
Dyche’s Role Under Review
Sean Dyche’s future will also come under scrutiny as part of The Friedkin Group’s full-scale review of the club’s operations. Despite mixed results, the Everton manager is expected to be given time to prove himself under the new ownership, especially as the team fights to maintain its Premier League status.
Crunch Time for Everton
Sitting 16th in the Premier League, Everton finds itself just three points above the relegation zone. The upcoming clash with Brentford at Goodison Park is shaping up to be a pivotal encounter as the Toffees aim to secure a much-needed victory.
Beto’s Role Moving Forward
While rumors of a departure persist, Beto remains a crucial piece in Everton’s jigsaw. With Calvert-Lewin’s history of injuries and Broja still finding his rhythm, the Portuguese forward could yet play a significant role as the Toffees look to turn their season around. Whether as a reliable backup or a starting option when called upon, Beto’s contributions may prove vital in Everton’s fight for survival.
Conclusion
For now, Everton’s message is clear: Beto is staying put. Despite interest from Roma and other clubs, the Toffees view the striker as a key squad player who can contribute to their ongoing battle for Premier League safety. As The Friedkin Group’s takeover progresses, the club will need to navigate a delicate balancing act between immediate needs and long-term planning—a process in which Beto may still have an essential role to play.