Brentford Leads Chase for Everton Striker Mateo Pellegrino

Brentford have taken the lead in the pursuit of Everton striker Mateo Pellegrino, contacting Parma directly and leaving Everton and Newcastle United behind. The West London club bypassed the usual scouting phase and opened talks with Parma this week. Pellegrino arrived from Velez Sarsfield in January 2025 and quickly adapted to European football, netting 15 goals in Italy, nine of which came in the 2025/26 campaign. He flourished under manager Carlos Cuesta’s defensive system at Parma Calcio. Everton’s options are constrained by a recent legal order requiring a £35 million compensation payment to Burnley, limiting the club’s transfer budget. Manager David Moyes needs a robust, physical forward to support his attacking line if the team aims for European qualification next season. Should Brentford secure a formal agreement with Parma, Everton will have to pivot instantly to alternative targets to maintain squad depth for the demanding Premier League calendar. A photo by Alessandro Sabattini captured Pellegrino during a Serie A match against US Sassuolo Calcio on May 24, 2026, illustrating his impact in Italian football.