Brentford have moved fast. Very fast. The West London club have actively accelerated their pursuit of Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino, effectively leaving Everton and Newcastle United trailing in their wake.
According to Italian outlet ParmaToday, as relayed by Sport Witness, the South American forward has attracted attention across the Premier League after a rapid rise in the Serie A. It is quite a feat. Pellegrino only arrived at Parma from Velez Sarsfield in January 2025, yet he adapted almost instantly to European football. He did it the hard way, too, grinding out results inside the notoriously rigid, defensive system deployed by manager Carlos Cuesta.
A return of 15 goals during his time in Italy, nine of which arrived during the 2025/26 campaign, has cemented his reputation as a proper, dependable finisher. Sport Witness reports that while Newcastle and Everton were busy gathering information and placing the physical frontman on their respective shortlists, Brentford simply bypassed the scouting phase. They initiated direct contact this week.
Parma are ready to do business. The Italian side must balance their budget before the transfer window slams shut, meaning a lucrative sale is firmly on the cards. Brentford are currently sitting in the driving seat.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 24: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 24, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Money is tight at Goodison Park. A recent legal blow ordering a massive £35 million compensation payment to Burnley has severely dented the club’s financial power, ruling out any hope of a direct bidding war.
Yet, David Moyes desperately needs firepower. The squad requires a robust, physical presence upfront to support the attacking line if they have any genuine ambitions of challenging for European qualification spots next season. Passive monitoring will not cut it. Moyes cannot afford to sit back and watch domestic rivals steal a march while the pre-season preparation period looms.
Snatching Pellegrino from Brentford‘s grasp requires immediate, aggressive negotiation. If the capital club secure a formal agreement with Parma, Everton must pivot instantly to alternative targets. Squad depth is non-negotiable for a gruelling Premier League calendar. Balancing the books whilst adding reliable goal scorers is a massive ask, but it is the exact reality staring Moyes in the face.