Everton’s difficult summer transfer window may be over, but David Moyes is still searching for ways to strengthen his squad ahead of what promises to be a demanding Premier League campaign.
The Toffees endured a frustrating end to the transfer window, missing out on several attacking targets and leaving Moyes with limited senior options in key areas. With the squad looking short of depth, particularly in attack, attention could now turn towards the free-agent market.
Reports have suggested former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial could be one of the players under consideration, while another Premier League veteran, Jamie Vardy, has also been linked with a potential move to Goodison Park.
David Moyes has confirmed Everton are exploring the free-agent market following reports that the club could make a move for former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.
Although the summer transfer window has now shut, Moyes remains unhappy with Everton’s overall business, which has left Thierno Barry as the club’s only recognised senior striker.
Everton appeared set to strengthen their attacking department on deadline day after agreeing deals for Tottenham forward Richarlison and Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.
However, both moves broke down at the final stage. Beto then completed his departure to Fiorentina, while a late attempt to bring Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee to the club on loan was turned down.
The Toffees face Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, but Moyes currently has just 18 senior outfield players available as Everton prepare for what could prove to be a difficult Premier League season.
Despite the transfer deadline passing, Everton still have the opportunity to recruit players without contracts. talkSPORT has reported that Martial has been “offered” to the Merseyside club.
The French international has been without a club since leaving Mexican side Monterrey in June. He also possesses extensive Premier League experience following his nine-year spell at Manchester United.
It has been claimed that the 30-year-old would be willing to return to English football, and Moyes has made it clear that Everton are keeping their options open when it comes to potential free-agent additions.
‘I’m disappointed we didn’t do more business and that things didn’t go our way in the end,’ the Scottish manager said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
‘But sometimes in football, you have to live with disappointments and we will move on.
‘We’re looking at the free agents’ market but I want a team that can be at the top end and can challenge. The disappointment would be that I want to keep pushing on and for the players to believe we’re going in the right direction.’
Martial joined Manchester United from Monaco in 2015 and became the most expensive teenager in world football at the time. The Golden Boy winner went on to score 90 goals in 317 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils.
During his time at Old Trafford, he won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. However, despite showing flashes of brilliance and enjoying several productive campaigns, injuries repeatedly disrupted his progress and he was ultimately unable to consistently fulfil the enormous expectations placed upon him.
After leaving United in 2024, Martial made a surprise switch to Greek side AEK Athens before later joining Monterrey. His spell in Mexico proved unsuccessful, though, as he scored just once in 20 appearances before his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
Martial is not the only high-profile free agent to be linked with Everton. Leicester City legend and Premier League icon Jamie Vardy has also emerged as a possible option after becoming available following his departure from Italian club Cremonese.
With Moyes openly admitting his disappointment over Everton’s transfer business, the coming weeks could see the club explore the free-agent market in an effort to provide their manager with the reinforcements he believes are necessary.