Richard Keys urges Everton to sign a striker in January, slams Thierno Barry as ‘wasted money’ | OneFootball

Everton lost 4-1 to Newcastle United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium yesterday.

Several Everton players were under par on the day, but many people singled out striker Thierno Barry for criticism following a disappointing outing.

The Toffees signed Barry this summer, thinking he would be the lethal centre-forward to lead the line, but he has yet to open his account.

He thought he had scored against Newcastle, but VAR ruled out his effort for handball.

Veteran broadcaster Richard Keys believes Everton wasted money buying the 23-year-old and that he is not good enough.

Keys said on beIN SPORTS: “You’ve got to go out and find a centre forward. They’ve wasted money on Barry. He’s nowhere near.

“Sometimes you look at a player, and you are frustrated by them because they are not quite what you think they should be, but they show you something, something you can work on.

“Barry, I’ve seen nothing. Nothing. There might be a reason he’s had five clubs in five seasons.”

Everton will struggle to resolve their attacking issues

Replacing Barry isn’t as simple as some people make it sound.

The issue for Everton isn’t identifying the need for a new striker. It’s finding one who is both attainable and willing to move mid-season.

The options in the winter transfer window are notoriously thin, and the calibre of forward the Toffees require isn’t readily available.

They’ve been linked with Ivan Toney, but his wage demands are out of Everton’s range.

Arsenal have no intention of allowing Gabriel Jesus to leave, especially with their title push in full swing.

Joshua Zirkzee has struggled in England and does not fit the profile of a guaranteed Premier League goalscorer.

Signing a new striker might sound like the solution, but the real challenge is locating one worth the investment.