Beto (Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal) is a professional striker who currently plays for Everton FC in the Premier League and represents the Guinea-Bissau national team. As of January 2026, the 27-year-old forward has become a focal point of David Moyes’ attacking system at Goodison Park, valued for his immense physical presence and aerial dominance. Standing at 1.94m (6ft 4in), Beto transitioned from a rotation player under Sean Dyche to a vital starter in early 2025, famously scoring eight goals in his first 21 appearances under Moyes. In the current 2025/26 season, he has notched three goals across all competitions and continues to be a subject of intense transfer speculation, with major Turkish clubs like Fenerbahçe reportedly showing interest during the January window. Known for his “rags-to-riches” backstory—having worked at KFC while playing amateur football—Beto embodies the resilience and grit that Everton fans demand.
Professional Profile and 2026 Performance
Current Status at Everton (January 2026)
As the 2026 January transfer window nears its close, Beto remains a key yet debated figure in the Everton squad. While he has fallen slightly behind summer signing Thierno Barry in the pecking order, David Moyes has publicly stated that the squad is “too thin” to sanction a departure without a direct replacement.
- Goal Return: In the 2025/26 campaign, Beto has recorded 2 Premier League goals and 1 League Cup goal, with his most recent strike coming in a 2-4 defeat to Brentford on January 4, 2026.
- Transfer Rumors: Turkish giants Fenerbahçe reportedly had a loan offer rejected in late January 2026, as Everton are holding out for a permanent sale valued at approximately €20 million (£16.8m).
Tactical Role under David Moyes
Since Moyes’ return to the club in January 2025, Beto’s role has shifted toward a more traditional “target man” function. He is frequently utilized as a focal point to hold up play and facilitate late runs from midfielders like Jack Grealish (currently sidelined with a stress fracture) and Iliman Ndiaye.
- Aerial Prowess: Beto ranks in the top 94th percentile for aerial duels won among European forwards, making him a primary threat during set-pieces and long-ball transitions.
- Work Rate: His defensive contributions (ranking in the 73rd percentile) are a hallmark of his game, often leading the high press and disrupting opposition build-up from the back.
The Remarkable Journey to Goodison Park
From KFC to the Primeira Liga
Beto’s career is one of the most inspiring “feel-good” stories in modern football. After being released by the Benfica academy at age 14, he balanced playing in the Portuguese fifth tier with a job at KFC to support his family.
- The Breakthrough: His professional rise began at Portimonense, where his 11 goals in the 2020/21 season earned him a move to Serie A side Udinese.
- Italian Success: In Italy, he proved his top-flight credentials by scoring 21 goals across two seasons, eventually leading to his £25.8 million (€30m) transfer to Everton in August 2023.
International Transition to Guinea-Bissau
Though born in Lisbon and once named in Portugal’s preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, Beto committed his international future to Guinea-Bissau in late 2024.
- National Impact: He earned his first cap on October 11, 2024, and has since become a talismanic figure for the “Djurtus,” scoring his first international goal against Mozambique in November 2024.
- 2026 Outlook: He is currently leading the line for Guinea-Bissau in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, aiming to help the nation secure a historic first-ever tournament appearance.
Practical Information for Everton Fans
If you are following Beto’s progress or planning to see him play at the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock (scheduled to be fully integrated in the 2025/26 period), here are the essentials:
- Jersey Number: Beto wears the Number 9 shirt for Everton.
- Contract Details: His current deal runs until June 30, 2027, following his four-year signing in 2023.
- Training Ground: He can be found at Finch Farm, where he is known as one of the most approachable members of the squad.
- Fan Chant: Listen for the “Beto’o” chant in the Gwladys Street End, a nod to his childhood idol, Samuel Eto’o.
Professional Profile and 2026 Performance
Current Status at Everton (January 2026)
As the 2026 January transfer window nears its close, Beto remains a key figure in David Moyes’ squad despite intense interest from abroad. While he has faced competition from summer signing Thierno Barry, Moyes has publicly stated that the squad is “too thin” to sanction a departure without a direct replacement, especially following injuries to creative players like Jack Grealish.
- Goal Return: In the 2025/26 campaign, Beto has recorded 2 Premier League goals and 1 League Cup goal from 25 appearances, reflecting a role often utilized to unsettle tired defenses.
- Transfer Rumors: Fenerbahçe reportedly submitted an official offer in late January 2026, but Everton’s valuation remains firm at approximately €20 million (£16.8m).
Tactical Role under David Moyes
Since Moyes’ return to the club, Beto’s role has shifted toward a more traditional “target man” function. He is frequently utilized as a focal point to hold up play and facilitate late runs from midfielders like Iliman Ndiaye and the versatile Jack Grealish.
- Aerial Prowess: Beto remains one of the most aerially dominant strikers in the league, winning 58 aerial duels this season alone and ranking high for expected goals (xG) per shot.
- Work Rate: His defensive contributions are a hallmark of his game, often leading the press and disrupting opposition build-up from the back with a high frequency of ball recoveries.
Beto vs. Calvert-Lewin: The 2026 Verdict
The Battle of the Number Nines
The comparison between Beto and his predecessor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, remains a hot topic among the Goodison faithful in 2026. While Calvert-Lewin has found a new lease of life at Leeds United, scoring 8 league goals this season, Beto offers a more robust, “chaos-inducing” profile.
- Finishing Efficiency: Calvert-Lewin currently boasts a higher shot volume (32 shots) and a more clinical edge in 2026, while Beto thrives on physical intimidation and creating second-ball opportunities.
- Tactical Difference: Under Moyes, Beto is often asked to play off the last man or receive direct long balls, whereas Calvert-Lewin’s Leeds role allows for more intricate link-up play in a high-energy system.
Everton’s 2026 Recruitment Strategy
The Search for a New Number Nine
Despite Beto’s presence, Everton’s recruitment team has been active in the January 2026 window searching for additional firepower. David Moyes has emphasized that the club needs “players more than ever” to avoid a mid-season slump.
- Primary Targets: Strikers such as Wilson Isidor and Youssef En-Nesyri have been linked with moves to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
- Squad Balance: The challenge for the board is balancing the development of 23-year-old Thierno Barry with the need for an experienced finisher to complement Beto’s physical style.
FAQs
How many goals has Beto scored for Everton in 2025/26?
As of late January 2026, Beto has scored 3 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Is Beto leaving Everton in the January window?
There is confirmed interest from Fenerbahçe, but Everton has rejected initial offers due to a lack of depth in their own squad.
Why is Beto called “Beto’o”?
The nickname is a tribute to his childhood idol, Samuel Eto’o, whose name he used to sign during his amateur football days.
What is Beto’s height?
He is a towering 1.94 meters (6ft 4in) tall, making him one of the tallest strikers in the Premier League.
Did Beto really work at KFC?
Before his professional breakthrough, Beto worked at a KFC in Portugal while playing for amateur side União Tires.
Which national team does Beto play for?
He represents Guinea-Bissau, having committed to them in late 2024 despite interest from Portugal.
What is Beto’s current market value?
Everton values the striker at approximately €20 million (£16.8m).
Who will be Everton’s manager in 2026?
David Moyes returned to the club in January 2025 and is currently leading the team.
How does Beto’s aerial success compare to others?
Beto ranks in the top 10% of Premier League forwards for aerial duels won, utilizing his height to dominate box entries.
Is Jack Grealish still at Everton?
Yes, Jack Grealish is at Everton but is currently sidelined in January 2026 with a stress fracture in his foot.
How many goals has Beto scored for Everton in 2025/26?
As of January 25, 2026, Beto has scored 3 goals in all competitions (2 in the Premier League, 1 in the League Cup).
Is Beto leaving Everton in the 2026 January window?
While there is interest from Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, David Moyes has indicated he wants to keep the striker due to lack of depth, unless a replacement is signed.
Why is Beto called “Beto’o”?
He idolized Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o as a child and used to sign his name as “Beto’o” during his amateur days.
What is Beto’s height and weight?
He is 1.94 meters (6ft 4in) tall and weighs approximately 88 kg.
Did Beto really work at KFC?
Yes, he worked at a KFC in Portugal while playing for amateur side União Tires to make ends meet before his professional breakthrough.
Which national team does Beto play for?
He represents Guinea-Bissau, having made his debut in October 2024.
What is Beto’s market value in 2026?
Everton reportedly values him at €20 million (£16.8m) in the current market.
Who will be Everton’s manager in 2026?
David Moyes is the current manager, having returned to the club in January 2025.
What is Beto’s style of play?
He is a physical target man who specializes in aerial duels, flick-ons, and high-intensity pressing.
How many minutes has Beto played this season?
He has accumulated 836 minutes in the Premier League, often appearing as an impactful substitute.
What happened to Jack Grealish at Everton?
Grealish, who is on loan at Everton in 2026, recently suffered a stress fracture in his foot and is expected to be out for several weeks.
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