Everton’s attempts to bring in a new striker fell apart on transfer deadline day, leaving David Moyes facing a problem that many will feel should have been addressed before the summer window shut.
Efforts to sign Folarin Balogun and Joshua Zirkzee ultimately proved unsuccessful, turning the closing stages of the window into a frustrating end for the Toffees.
Beto’s move to Fiorentina had already gone through, leaving Thierno Barry as the only recognised senior centre forward available to Moyes.
That places enormous responsibility on Barry, as any injury or suspension could leave Everton scrambling for alternative solutions in attack.
Balogun appeared to be on course to solve the problem after Everton agreed a deal worth around £40million with Monaco and brought the striker to Merseyside.
However, issues that emerged during his medical led to further discussions between the clubs, with a deal sheet submitted to allow additional time for the transfer to be completed.
Despite those efforts, the move eventually collapsed after the USA international chose not to join Everton.
Monaco chief Thiago Scuro later claimed that Balogun had been unhappy with the way Everton handled his medical. Sources at Everton, however, told The Guardian that his late arrival and delays in receiving medical records had made the situation more complicated.
Other potential targets also slipped away. Manchester United rejected Everton’s loan approach for Zirkzee, while Aston Villa turned down an enquiry for Tammy Abraham.
The return of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City offered some positivity, but another creative player did little to solve Everton’s growing concern over who will finish the chances being created.
Everton had intended to give Moyes greater depth in attack. Instead, after allowing another striker to leave, the manager is now heavily dependent on Barry.
The free-agent market could offer a way out, though Everton’s search for reinforcements has now taken a surprising direction.
Everton offered free transfer for former Man Utd striker
According to talkSPORT, Anthony Martial has been offered to Everton, with the former Manchester United forward open to making a return to the Premier League.
The Frenchman is currently a free agent following his departure from Monterrey, meaning Everton could still pursue a deal despite the closure of the transfer window.
Martial, now 30, would arrive with plenty to prove after failing to make a significant impact during his spell in Mexico.
He managed just one goal and three assists in 20 appearances for Monterrey last season, playing only 800 minutes in total.
His record was far more impressive during his standout 2019/20 campaign at Manchester United, when he produced 23 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Everton fans are also well aware of what Martial can do in front of goal.
He holds Manchester United’s record for the most goals scored against the Toffees, finding the net nine times, including the late Wembley goal that ended Everton’s FA Cup hopes in 2016.
His final goal for United also came against Everton at Goodison Park in November 2023.
Martial’s availability gives Everton another option to consider as they search for someone capable of sharing the attacking burden with Barry.
His previous achievements remain impressive, but Moyes needs a striker who can deliver immediately after a transfer window that has left Everton desperately short of options in attack.