Everton are turning their attention to an unexpected striker option this summer—and it could be a move that sparks plenty of debate among the Goodison Park faithful. The Toffees are closely monitoring Raúl Jiménez's contract standoff at Fulham, with the 35-year-old Mexican international potentially available on a free transfer.
The situation is intriguing. Fulham triggered a one-year extension on Jiménez's deal last May, tying him to Craven Cottage until June 2026. But according to journalist Christian Vaquero (via Sport Witness), contract renewal talks have completely stalled. That's opened the door for both Everton and Club América—Jiménez's boyhood club in Mexico—to track the situation with serious intent.
Jiménez's journey has been a remarkable one: from Club América to Atlético Madrid, then Benfica, a memorable spell at Wolves, and now Fulham. A return to Mexico is a genuine possibility, but so too is a Premier League stay if Everton come calling. For Fulham, it's a familiar dilemma—they value his contributions but struggle to justify committing long-term to a player in his mid-thirties.
And those contributions are worth noting. In the current 2025/26 campaign, Jiménez has bagged nine Premier League goals and three assists, with a non-penalty expected goals (xG) of 7.22. He's averaging 2.92 shots per 90 minutes and converting roughly 27% of them—numbers that place him above 86% of Premier League strikers in terms of xG. That's elite company, and it makes the contract impasse all the more puzzling.
His aerial presence, hold-up play, and intelligent movement inside the box remain genuine assets. But there's no ignoring the elephant in the room: his age and declining pace make him a short-term gamble. Every passing month chips away at his market value, which is why a free transfer could be a smart piece of business for the right club.
For Everton, the need for a reliable striker is clear. Beto has found some form recently, scoring eight goals in 34 Premier League appearances, while Thierno Barry's campaign has been inconsistent since the turn of the year. That inconsistency suggests manager David Moyes still lacks a dependable, week-in-week-out option up front.
Jiménez would bring Premier League experience, aerial dominance, and leadership to the dressing room—qualities that could prove invaluable for a squad still finding its identity. Whether he's the long-term answer to Everton's goal-scoring woes is another question, but as a short-term, low-risk addition, this one has all the makings of a savvy summer move.