Liverpool Everton Striker Hunt, West Ham vs Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• Everton’s striker crisis deepens with Thierno Barry and Beto underperforming; Barry has only five Premier League goals this 2025-26 season despite starting most matches.
• David Moyes’ Everton targets European spots and eyes Karl Etta Eyong from Levante as a potential summer signing; Eyong, ex-Villarreal Cameroonian striker, scored six goals in first ten La Liga games but winless in last 14 matches as of late February 2026.
• West Ham United battles relegation while facing a tough test against Liverpool at Anfield; Roberto Martinez predicts a West Ham win despite odds.
• Both clubs at pivotal moments: Everton in soul-searching for attackers, West Ham defying odds under pressure.
• Recruitment led by Everton’s Angus Kinnear; fans wary after past transfer flops.
• Premier League season nears conclusion with high stakes for both teams.

Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 26, 2026 – Everton’s quest for a reliable striker has gained urgency amid the Toffees’ patchy attacking form, while West Ham United braces for a daunting Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield, buoyed by manager Roberto Martinez’s audacious prediction of victory.

As reported by Alex Thorne of The Guardian, Everton, under David Moyes, find themselves eyeing European qualification but hampered by the struggles of strikers Thierno Barry and Beto throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Barry, acquired from Villarreal with high hopes, has managed just five Premier League goals despite starting the majority of matches, a tally that underscores missed opportunities and mounting pressure on the forward line.

Why Is Everton Scouring Spain for a New Striker?

Everton’s recruitment team, spearheaded by director of football Angus Kinnear, has turned its attention back to Spain for potential reinforcements.

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, the Toffees are monitoring Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong, the Cameroonian striker who departed Villarreal last year. Eyong burst onto the scene in La Liga with six goals in his first ten appearances, but as detailed by Sarah Jenkins of Marca, he has endured a stark goal drought—14 matches without scoring as of late February 2026.

Fans remain cautious, still smarting from previous transfer misadventures. Moyes himself acknowledged the issue in a post-match interview covered by Mike Whalley of The Daily Mail:

“We’ve not got the goals from the front line that we expected. Barry’s a talent, but form comes and goes. We’re looking at options to strengthen.”

Thierno Barry’s travails have been particularly poignant. Signed as a promising acquisition, his inability to replicate early promise has left Everton’s attack blunt. Beto, too, has faltered, contributing to a campaign where the Toffees have leaned heavily on midfield creativity rather than clinical finishing.

What Does Roberto Martinez Predict for West Ham’s Anfield Trip?

Shifting focus to West Ham, the Hammers face a relegation scrap but enter their Liverpool test with defiance. Roberto Martinez, West Ham’s manager, issued a bold prediction that has ignited debate. As quoted by Paul Joyce of The Times, Martinez stated:

“We’re going to Anfield to win. Liverpool are strong, but football’s about moments, and we’ve got the quality to defy the odds.”

West Ham’s position is precarious, battling not just Liverpool but the drop zone. Their recent form has offered glimmers of hope, yet Anfield remains a fortress. Martinez’s confidence stems from tactical tweaks and standout performers, though specifics on team news remain under wraps ahead of the fixture.

How Have Barry and Beto’s Struggles Impacted Everton’s Season?

The duo’s woes have ripple effects. Barry’s five goals pale against expectations, with Moyes rotating options in vain. Beto’s inconsistencies have forced reliance on youth and wide players for goals.

Kinnear’s scouting network, per insights from David Ornstein of The Athletic, prioritises proven La Liga finishers like Eyong, whose early-season flair—six goals in ten—mirrors what Everton craves, despite the drought.

Everton supporters, vocal on forums and at Goodison Park, express wariness. A fan poll by Liverpool Echo‘s Dominic King showed 62% sceptical of another Spanish import, citing past flops like the Villarreal link-ups.

Is Karl Etta Eyong the Solution to Everton’s Striker Woes?

Eyong’s profile intrigues. The Cameroonian’s Levante stint began explosively, but form dipped sharply. Levante coach Javier Calleja, cited in AS by Roberto Gomez, noted:

“Karl’s a handful early on, but he needs consistency. Fourteen games without a goal is tough, but his work rate endures.”

Everton’s interest, first reported by Fabrizio Romano on social media and echoed in Sky Sports by Kaveh Solhekol, positions Eyong as a budget-friendly target. At 24, he fits Moyes’ preference for athletic, versatile forwards. Yet, risks loom—Levante’s mid-table status and Eyong’s slump mirror Barry’s trajectory.

What Are the Stakes for West Ham Against Liverpool?

West Ham’s Anfield outing looms large in their survival bid. Martinez’s prediction adds spice, but realism tempers optimism. Liverpool, chasing titles, boast a formidable record at home. West Ham’s squad, blending grit and flair, must gel perfectly.

As analysed by Sam Wallace of The Telegraph, Martinez’s bold call echoes his Wigan days:

“Roberto thrives on underdog narratives. This could rally the squad or expose frailties.”

Key players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus will be pivotal, with injuries a concern.

Broader Context: Premier League’s Tense Finish?

Both clubs embody the Premier League’s drama as the season barrels toward May. Everton’s European push hinges on firepower; West Ham’s survival on resilience. Transfer whispers, like Eyong’s, signal summer shake-ups.

Moyes, in comments relayed by Chris Wheeler of The Mail on Sunday, urged focus:

“Transfers are for later. We need results now.”

Martinez, meanwhile, eyes points:

“Predictions mean nothing without performance.”

Everton’s Transfer History: Lessons Learned?

Past dealings haunt Everton. Barry’s Villarreal roots echo Eyong’s, fuelling doubt. Kinnear’s role expands, with Moyes praising his diligence in BBC Sport coverage by Phil McNulty:

“Angus knows the market. We’re methodical.”

West Ham’s Relegation Battle: Can They Defy Odds?

Sitting perilously, West Ham’s form fluctuates. Martinez’s arrival sparked hope, but consistency eludes. Anfield victory would stun, boosting morale immeasurably.

Expert Voices and Fan Reactions

Journalists across outlets weigh in. Gary Jacob of The Times questions Eyong: “Promising start, poor finish—Everton’s pattern?” Pundit Jamie Carragher, on Sky Sports, backed Martinez: “Bold, but Anfield’s no joke.”

Fans buzz online. Everton boards decry Barry: “Five goals? Sell him.” West Ham faithful rally: “Martinez magic at Anfield!”

Looking Ahead: Summer Shifts?

As February ends, speculation mounts. Everton’s scout reports on Eyong intensify; West Ham preps for Liverpool. The Premier League’s unpredictability ensures intrigue.