Beto completes Fiorentina move as former boss backs ex-Everton striker to thrive

Beto has completed a permanent move from Everton to Fiorentina, bringing his three-year stay on Merseyside to an end and giving the striker an opportunity to rebuild his career in Serie A.

Everton originally paid around £26million to sign the Guinea-Bissau international from Udinese in 2023. He leaves after scoring 25 goals in 113 appearances across all competitions, including nine Premier League goals during the 2025/26 campaign.

The 28-year-old is expected to have a significant role at Fiorentina following Moise Kean's departure, and his former Udinese manager Luca Gotti believes La Viola have made an excellent signing.

Beto never consistently established himself as Everton's leading striker, but Gotti believes his contribution should not be judged purely by his goals.

Speaking to Sky Italia, the Italian coach explained how perceptions of Beto gradually changed during his time at Goodison Park.

“When he went to Everton, the fans turned up their noses in the first year, but then season after season they learned to appreciate his commitment,” Gotti said.

“He works so hard for the team and is an extremely useful player. I think Fiorentina made an excellent acquisition.”

Beto's nine league goals last season demonstrated that he could still contribute, but the move to Florence should provide him with something he struggled to secure consistently at Everton: a central role in the attack.

Gotti also highlighted the striker's determination to improve as one of his biggest strengths.

Beto's route into professional football was unconventional, with Gotti recalling that the forward was still working as a waiter at around the age of 18.

“He has a huge desire to improve,” Gotti said. “I think this is his greatest quality, an infinite desire to grow.”

The former Udinese coach also revealed Beto was willing to arrive early or remain after training for additional individual work whenever required.

That mentality could prove important at Fiorentina, particularly after a difficult beginning to the season.

Fiorentina have lost their opening two matches under Fabio Grosso, increasing the importance of integrating their new striker quickly.

Beto should have attacking support following the additions of Alieu Njie and Wilfried Gnonto, with both capable of providing the pace and direct running around him.

There are similarities to the setup in which Beto previously thrived at Udinese alongside Gerard Deulofeu.

After three inconsistent seasons in England, a return to Serie A therefore offers Beto both familiarity and an opportunity for redemption.

Fiorentina need a new focal point after Kean's departure. Beto now has the chance to become exactly that.

Fiorentina will hope Beto can settle quickly as Grosso looks for a response following defeats in their opening two matches.

For the striker, regular football alongside quick attacking players such as Njie and Gnonto could provide the conditions required to rediscover the form that originally earned him his move from Udinese to Everton.