Everton are emerging as the frontrunners in the race to sign Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, a development that could finally address the club’s long-standing issues in attack. The 26-year-old France international has caught the eye with his rapid rise, earning a call-up to the national squad and drawing interest from several Premier League sides. Sources indicate the Toffees hold the strongest position among suitors including Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds, positioning them well for a potential January move.
Lepaul’s profile fits the mould of what David Moyes has sought in recent windows. A mobile, goal-focused forward with pace and work rate, he would complement the existing options while providing genuine competition up front. Everton currently rely heavily on Thierno Barry as their primary striker following a turbulent summer that saw Iliman Ndiaye depart for Manchester City in a deal reported around the £60m mark.
The summer window’s impact
That transfer activity left the squad stretched. Deals for players such as Brennan Johnson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and the return of Jack Grealish on loan added depth in other areas, but the failure to land a recognised striker like Folarin Balogun on deadline day exposed vulnerabilities. Moyes has spoken openly about operating with just 18 senior outfield players available, a situation that tests squad management across a demanding fixture list.
Lepaul’s emergence offers a timely solution. His performances in Ligue 1 have showcased clinical finishing and the ability to link play, attributes that could help Everton maintain their solid start to the 2026-27 campaign. Sitting fifth in the Premier League with 10 points from six matches, the team has shown resilience but lacks consistent firepower in the final third.
Why this pursuit matters now
For supporters, securing Lepaul would signal intent to build on the stability achieved at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The club has navigated ownership changes and financial pressures in recent years, yet on-pitch progress depends on strengthening key positions. A France call-up underlines Lepaul’s quality and market value, making any deal competitive but potentially transformative for Moyes’ forward line.
Discussions around the striker are already generating buzz among fans eager for reinforcements before the January window. With Everton facing Chelsea next and a busy schedule ahead, early momentum in this chase could prove crucial. Moyes’ preference for a compact squad makes targeted additions like this one particularly valuable, allowing the manager to rotate effectively without diluting quality.
The interest aligns with broader scouting efforts that have identified promising talents across Europe. Everton’s recruitment team will need to act decisively amid competition from other clubs, but their reported leading position suggests groundwork has been laid. For a side that has often punched above its weight in recent seasons, adding a player of Lepaul’s calibre could provide the spark needed to sustain a top-half challenge.