Many West Ham fans are saying the same thing about a bargain Everton man David Moyes wanted as Beto impresses.
West Ham and Everton were both on the hunt for a new striker before the summer transfer window closed but only the Toffees managed it.
The Hammers and Everton have made contrasting starts to the new season. And in the grand scheme of things David Moyes enjoyed a vastly superior summer window to counterpart Sean Dyche.
That being said West Ham fans feel their 8/10 window could have been a 10/10 effort had the club managed to sign a striker.
Everton may have been weakened in key areas but they did manage to get their hands on a new forward – a player who had reportedly been on West Ham’s radar as far back as 2021.
West Ham had a keen interest in striker Beto two summers ago when he was at Portimonense, as reported at the time by Portuguese outlet Record.
West Ham held talks but a deal never materialised and the 6ft 4in star signed for Udinese instead.
West Ham were linked with Beto again last summer with head of recruitment Rob Newman reportedly recommending a fresh bid for the forward after travelling to Italy to scout him, as reported by 90 Min.
In the end West Ham signed another striker from Serie A instead in the shape of Gianluca Scamacca. But that did not work out and he was offloaded to Atalanta this summer after just one season. As inevitable as death and taxes, Scamacca scored a brace on his first start for Atalanta yesterday.
Beto finally got his move to the Premier League – but with Everton instead in what is said to have been a £25m deal.
And many West Ham fans are saying the same thing about the bargain Everton man Moyes wanted as Beto impresses.
Given their club’s inability to sign a striker and make it work in recent years, West Ham fans have had one eye on how Beto fares, particularly as the big Portuguese had been linked with a move to the London Stadium.
It may be early days, but Hammers supporters have already noted just how perfect he would have been for their system and style under Moyes.
Fast, powerful and showing off his excellent hold-up play already, Beto has wowed Evertonians in his first two outings against Doncaster and Sheffield United.
The striker also looks like a real leader, pressing the opposition, working tirelessly for the team and cajoling his teammates.
It looks a very shrewd capture indeed from Dyche. And with Michail Antonio turning 34 this season, West Ham fans have been taking to social media and fan forums to remark that Beto looks like he could have been the perfect heir to the Jamaican.
West Ham would have fancied their chances of beating Everton to Beto given they have a superior team and Europa League football to offer.
But the Hammers focused their attention on the likes of Yuri Alberto, Hugo Ekitike and Youssef En-Nesyri as the clock ticked down to deadline. And to no avail.
Everton may have had to come from behind to beat lowly Doncaster – and could only draw with Sheffield United – but Beto stole the show in both matches.
He changed the game in Everton’s favour at Doncaster. And for those who have not seen the footage of Beto in action during those games, they can get an idea of his impact from his statistics on his Prem debut for the Toffees.
He won 12 duels and had seven successful dribbles and generally stole the show with a powerful, all-action display.
His presence reminded West Ham fans of Antonio in more ways than one. Beto looks seriously game on his arrival in the Prem.
Everton have a player on their hands.
And while it is far too early to suggest they will be in a relegation battle, should Dyche’s side drop – the Hammers must be all over Beto in next summer’s window on this limited evidence so far.
1️⃣2️⃣ duels won
7️⃣ successful dribbles
All action from Beto in his #PL debut. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/gqEP73RGLT