Everton's search for reinforcements may turn to the free agent market after a challenging summer transfer window. The club's deadline day plans unravelled, leaving manager David Moyes with a squad thin in key areas as they prepare to host Manchester United.
According to a report from Daily Mail Sport, Everton ended the window with just two recognised full backs and one natural striker. The club had hoped to sign Fulham's Kenny Tete for right-back depth and bring in striker Folarin Balogun for a medical, but both deals collapsed. Balogun performed a late U-turn on his move, while Fulham pulled out of the Tete agreement. The only incoming on the final day was Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who signed in the afternoon. Departures included right-back Nathan Patterson, while Jack Grealish rejoined to replace Iliman Ndiaye.
Which free agents are available?
A host of high-profile players are currently unattached and could offer short-term solutions. Former Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, now 38, is available. The striker earned reported wages of £1.4 million a week at Al-Ittihad in 2023 and £2 million a week at Al-Hilal before his departure earlier this year. "Ballon d'Or and five-time Champions League winner Benzema would be an insane coup for most Premier League sides," he said.
Other notable free agents include Paul Pogba. The 33-year-old midfielder returned to Monaco last year before departing last month. "Having left Manchester United for a second time in disappointing fashion, he returned to Juventus, where he was given a doping ban," Pogba said. Jadon Sancho is also unattached after being released from his £300,000-a-week salary, having previously played for Chelsea and Aston Villa.
What other players could Everton consider?
The list of experienced free agents extends across several positions. In defence, options include Oleksandr Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League winner unattached since his Ajax contract expired, and 32-year-old Raphael Guerreiro, who left Bayern Munich in the summer after three years there and seven at Borussia Dortmund. Tyrell Malacia, 27, was released by Manchester United after four years and had a stint at PSV last year. Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal, 34, is also available after being on reported wages of £171,000 a week.
In attack, Mauro Icardi left Galatasaray this summer. The 33-year-old has a strong scoring record, with 124 goals in 219 games for Inter, 77 in 134 for Galatasaray, and 38 in 92 for PSG. Anthony Martial, 30, left Mexican club Monterrey by mutual consent. He scored 90 times in 317 games for Manchester United. Veteran striker Joselu, 36 and 6ft 4in tall, was first choice for Real Madrid just 18 months ago.
How does the current squad look?
The need for depth is clear. Everton's squad is particularly light at full-back and centre-forward following the window's events. This comes as the team has made a solid start to the new Premier League season. They currently sit seventh in the table with four points from two games, following a win and a draw. Their recent form reads DW, and they have scored three goals while conceding just one, giving them a plus two goal difference. They are only two points behind early leaders Manchester City.
You can view the full league table on our standings page. The immediate focus turns to their next fixture, a home match against Manchester United on September 6. United are tenth in the table, setting up an intriguing early-season clash at Goodison Park. Fans can check the schedule on our fixtures page and review the current player roster on the squad list.
What happens next for Everton?
Manager David Moyes and the recruitment team must now assess if any free agents fit their tactical needs and financial structure. While some names carry significant wage demands, they represent a rare opportunity to add quality outside a transfer window. The decision will be influenced by the club's ambition to build on their positive start and maintain a push up the table. Everton face Manchester United at home in their next Premier League fixture on September 6, 2026.
