Everton’s difficult summer transfer window may be over, but David Moyes could still have an opportunity to address one of the biggest problems left unresolved in his squad.
The Toffees entered the closing stages of the transfer market desperately searching for additional firepower, particularly after the departure of Beto left the club dangerously short of recognised senior centre-forwards. Despite their efforts to bring in reinforcements before the deadline, Everton were unable to complete deals for several attacking targets, leaving Moyes with a worrying lack of depth in one of the most important areas of the pitch.
Their failure to strengthen the forward line has placed increased pressure on Thierno Barry, who is currently the only recognised senior striker available to lead the attack. For a club hoping to make progress under Moyes and avoid another season dominated by concerns over goalscoring, the situation represents a significant gamble.
Everton have struggled for consistency in front of goal in recent years, and the need for a reliable, experienced goalscorer has remained a recurring issue across multiple transfer windows. While the summer market has now officially closed, the club are not completely without options.
Free agents can still be signed outside the transfer window, opening the door for Everton to potentially make a late addition without having to negotiate with another club. That possibility appears to have put one of English football’s most recognisable modern strikers firmly on their radar.
A surprise return to the Premier League could now be on the cards for a former Leicester City hero whose availability has attracted interest from several clubs in England and abroad. With Everton short of attacking options and still searching for solutions, reports suggest the Merseyside club could be considering an unexpected move.
Everton are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy as they look to add attacking options following the closure of the transfer window.
The 39-year-old forward, who became a club icon at Leicester and earned 26 England caps, is currently available on a free transfer after leaving Serie A side Cremonese when his contract expired.
Vardy has already attracted interest from League One promotion contenders Sheffield Wednesday, the club he supported as a youngster before being released from their academy as a teenager.
The veteran striker has also been linked with moves to West Ham United, Wrexham and Brazilian side São Paulo, with reports suggesting he planned to make a decision on his next destination once the transfer window shut.
Now that the window has closed, speculation over Vardy’s future has intensified, with several clubs still able to sign free agents.
According to reports from The Sun, Everton are exploring the possibility of bringing Vardy back to the Premier League on a free transfer.
The Toffees are short of options in attack after selling Beto, and with only free agents currently available, they are considering experienced options to strengthen David Moyes’ squad.
Everton reportedly saw a late attempt to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun fall through, while their approach for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee was also unsuccessful.
As a result, Thierno Barry remains the only recognised senior striker available to Moyes, increasing the need for attacking reinforcements.
Vardy would bring a wealth of experience, having scored 200 goals for Leicester City between 2012 and 2025, including a key role in their remarkable 2015/16 Premier League title-winning campaign.
His next move remains uncertain
A return to the Premier League could appeal to Vardy, who spent the majority of his career competing at the highest level in England.
However, a move back to Sheffield Wednesday would carry emotional significance, given his connection to the club and their long-standing interest in bringing him home.
Wednesday owner David Storch recently confirmed the club’s admiration for Vardy, admitting they were working to find a way to present an offer that would make sense for the striker.
With Everton now reportedly entering the race, Vardy’s next chapter could come down to whether he chooses a Premier League return or a sentimental homecoming with Wednesday.