Roma Expand Striker Search With Everton’s Beto And Genoa’s Jeff Ekhator
Beto and Ekhator both have decent Serie A experience.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 16 December 2025
Roma have reportedly set their sights on Everton striker Beto and Genoa academy graduate Jeff Ekhator.
Roma expanding striker search as Beto and Jeff Ekhator now on shortlist
The Giallorossi have been linked with a multitude of strikers ahead of the January transfer window.
Roma are eyeing Joshua Zirkzee, while Lorenzo Lucca is also reportedly on the Giallorossi radar alongside Milan.
Although Evan Ferguson’s Roma career has picked up, the Giallorossi still seem intent on strengthening their attacking ranks.
Now, Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Roma have added Beto and Jeff Ekhator on their shortlist.
RomaPress adds that enquiries have been made, with Beto described as a fairly long-term target and Ekhator a newer candidate.
The situation is still at the evaluation stage as Roma look to sign a centre-forward who can hit the ground running.
Jeff Ekhator: Genoa’s rising talent on Roma’s radar
Ekhator is both an option for the future and the present, as he is young but fairly experienced in senior Italian football.
The 19-year-old came through the ranks at Genoa after racking up some impressive stats in youth football.
Ekhator is now a regular first-team player, with 39 senior outings and three goals to his name.
Calciomercato have described him as a striker ‘capable of scoring, but also of setting up goals with impressive consistency’.
The obvious complication for Roma, however, would be Genoa’s stance.
The prospect of selling a young first-team striker – particularly mid-season – would not be appealing to any club.
Beto: Proven Serie A profile with Premier League power
Beto offers Roma a more immediate solution, with Di Marzio noting the Portuguese striker is again on their radar after past interest.
His Udinese background means he should be able to hit the ground running should he return to Serie A.
A scouting view of Beto highlights raw athleticism, penalty-box presence, and direct running that can stretch back lines vertically.
Breaking The Lines also emphasises his unusual journey and mentality, suggesting he thrives on physical duels and constant contesting of space.
Beto’s profile could suit Gian Piero Gasperini’s preference for forwards who work relentlessly, trouble defenders, and create room for runners from midfield.
The trade-off is cost and availability, because Everton would face losing a first-team striker mid-season as they look to secure European qualification.
As a result, the Toffees would likely need a big offer to come to the table in January.
Roma have two options – either gamble on Ekhator’s ceiling, or pay for Beto’s ready-made reliability and physicality.
Either way, Roma’s striker search is widening as they look to build on their solid Serie A start.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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