Everton are reportedly considering moves for free agents Jamie Vardy and Anthony Martial after a quiet transfer deadline day. The Sun claims the club is weighing up an approach for former England striker Vardy, who is 39 and available after leaving Italian side Cremonese.
David Moyes's side could also look at former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, according to Talksport. The 30-year-old Frenchman is also unattached following his departure from Mexican club Monterrey. This search comes after Everton failed to secure a new striker before the summer window shut, leaving them with limited options up front. The club's current squad shows a reliance on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has faced injury issues in recent seasons.
Why are Everton looking at free agents?
The club's need for attacking reinforcement is clear from the current season's data. According to our stats page, Everton have scored just 12 goals in their opening 8 Premier League matches, placing them in the bottom five for attacking output. With Beto having departed and young striker Youssef Chermiti still developing, the manager is seeking experienced cover. The financial flexibility of a free transfer is also a significant factor, allowing the club to add a player without a transfer fee during a period of careful budgeting.
What would Jamie Vardy offer?
Jamie Vardy would bring a wealth of Premier League experience and a proven goalscoring record, albeit at an advanced age. He scored over 180 goals for Leicester City, including the winner in the 2021 FA Cup final. His pace and direct style could offer a different option from the bench. However, his age and the physical demands of the top flight raise questions about his ability to contribute consistently. The last player over 39 to feature for Everton was goalkeeper Andy Lonergan in a coaching capacity.
What about Anthony Martial?
Anthony Martial offers a different profile. The French international is a decade younger than Vardy and can operate across the front line. His time at Manchester United was marked by flashes of high quality but also inconsistency and fitness concerns. A fresh start at a new club could potentially revitalise his career. His potential wages, however, could be a stumbling block for Everton's wage structure, which has been tightened in recent years.
How does this affect Everton's plans?
Pursuing short-term options like Vardy or Martial suggests the recruitment team is looking for a stop-gap solution until the January window opens. It allows them to assess the market more thoroughly for a longer-term signing. The immediate focus will now shift to the upcoming fixtures, starting with a home match against Nottingham Forest on September 14th, as shown on our fixtures schedule. Securing points in these games is vital, as the club currently sits 15th in the standings, just three points above the relegation zone.
The final decision will likely depend on the manager's assessment in training and the players' physical condition. Any deal would be for the remainder of the 2026-27 season, providing cover and competition for places in attack until next summer.
