Everton Become Real Options For 35-Year-Old Striker: Would He Solve The Goal Scoring Issues?

Everton Become Real Options For 35-Year-Old Striker: Would He Solve The Goal Scoring Issues?

Everton are keeping a close eye on Raúl Jiménez’s contract situation at Fulham, and the Toffees could make a move for the 35-year-old Mexican striker this summer. The west London club activated their one-year extension option last May, meaning his current deal expires at the end of June 2026. According to journalist Christian Vaquero, via Sport Witness, renewal negotiations have ground to a halt, and both Everton and Club América are now monitoring the situation with interest.

Everton monitor Raúl Jiménez as Fulham contract talks stall ahead of summer

Jiménez, who started at Club América before moving to Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Wolves and then Fulham, knows a return to Mexico is a serious possibility. Meanwhile, Fulham face a familiar dilemma as they see the value in keeping him but find it hard to justify treating a 35-year-old as a long-term asset.

His numbers this 2025/26 campaign carry significance with nine Premier League goals, three assists, and a non-penalty xG of 7.22. Jiménez averages 2.92 shots every 90 minutes, converting roughly 27 per cent of them. Those figures place him above 86 per cent of Premier League strikers by xG, which makes the contract impasse all the more surprising. His aerial presence, hold-up play, and movement inside the box are still major assets. Jiménez’s age and declining pace, however, make him a short-term gamble, and his market value drops with every passing month.