Everton Set Sights on Villarreal’s Etta Eyong

Everton’s summer rebuild could soon extend further into Spain, with reports from El Chiringuito TV via Football Espna claiming that the Toffees are exploring a move for Etta Eyong, Villarreal’s highly-rated Cameroonian striker. This would mark their second raid on the Yellow Submarine in just a matter of weeks after securing Thierno Barry in a £27m deal.

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Moyes’ Transfer Mission

Manager David Moyes has been clear in his approach, stating he intends to bring in “9-10 new players” before the transfer window shuts on 1 September. So far, Everton have already landed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Adam Aznou, alongside the eye-catching loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Yet, the 1-0 opening weekend defeat to Leeds United underlined familiar weaknesses – a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

Eyong’s Rise at Villarreal

Eyong has been making waves in La Liga. The 21-year-old “burst into the Villarreal first team last season after scoring 19 goals in the reserve side in 2023/24 season”. Villarreal manager Marcelino has shown faith, starting him in their opening day clash with Real Oviedo – where he promptly scored.

“El Chiringuito report that Everton have reached out over an offer,” but Villarreal’s current stance is firm. Marcelino “views him as first team”, and with Eyong contracted until 2027, there is no urgent need to cash in. However, sources suggest that if his playing time becomes limited, Villarreal could soften their stance.

Everton’s Attacking Priorities

Having already invested heavily in Barry, who netted 11 times in his debut La Liga campaign, Everton hope their strong relationship with Villarreal will help push negotiations forward. Reports indicate a fee of around €5m could be required to tempt Villarreal into serious talks.

Barry has already made his debut off the bench in the defeat at Leeds, and he could play a bigger role in the club’s first game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton on 24 August. But Moyes is well aware that one striker alone may not be enough, making Eyong an attractive addition as Everton seek more firepower.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Everton fan’s perspective, this transfer link to Etta Eyong sparks both optimism and caution. On the optimistic side, Eyong looks like the type of player we’ve been crying out for: young, hungry, and with a track record of scoring goals at reserve level before stepping up seamlessly into Villarreal’s first team. The fact that he scored on the opening day in Spain only reinforces his pedigree.

But the cautious side of me remembers how often we’ve been linked with promising forwards, only for the deals to drag on or collapse. Villarreal clearly value Eyong and see him as part of their long-term plans, so prising him away for €5m feels almost too good to be true. If anything, that figure sounds low for a striker under contract until 2027 who is already performing in La Liga.

Still, with Moyes pushing for up to ten signings, this feels like a window where almost anything is possible. Barry’s arrival shows Everton are willing to spend, and if the club can pull off Eyong too, it would completely change our frontline. For fans, what we really want is excitement, goals, and belief that Everton can compete again. An Eyong-Barry partnership, with Grealish supplying from wide areas, has the potential to bring exactly that.

For now, it’s cautious optimism – but the ambition is clear.