Everton faces a significant squad challenge following a tumultuous transfer deadline day, leaving manager David Moyes in need of reinforcements. The club’s pursuit of key positions, including full-backs and a striker, was hampered by late developments, prompting a potential reliance on the free agent market to salvage the season.

Transfer Window Setbacks

The final day of the transfer window saw a series of unexpected turns for Everton. Initial hopes of strengthening the squad appeared to be progressing, with deals for players like Kenny Tete from Fulham and Folarin Balogun to bolster the striking options seemingly on the horizon. The arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles was confirmed, while Nathan Patterson departed. However, the situation dramatically shifted as Folarin Balogun reportedly rescinded his agreement, Fulham withdrew from the Tete deal, and the club was left with a depleted roster. This sequence of events has left Everton with a limited number of recognized full-backs and only one natural striker as the transfer window closed.

The Free Agent Solution

With the transfer window shut, Everton’s immediate focus shifts to players who are currently unattached after leaving their previous clubs before the deadline. These free agents can still be signed, offering a lifeline for clubs like Everton that require immediate squad enhancement. Several high-profile and experienced players are available, presenting potential solutions to Moyes’s personnel concerns.

Potential Striker Signings

The need for a reliable goalscorer is paramount. While the club has Thierno Barry, the departure of Beto leaves a void. The free agent market offers several intriguing, albeit challenging, options:

• Karim Benzema: The most prominent name, a Ballon d’Or winner and multiple Champions League champion, would represent an extraordinary acquisition. However, his age (38) and exceptionally high wage demands from his previous Saudi Arabian clubs present significant hurdles. A short-term deal might be feasible, but securing his signature would be a monumental task, likely requiring a substantial pay cut from his reported earnings.
• Mauro Icardi: A prolific goalscorer throughout his career at clubs like Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and PSG, Icardi offers proven attacking prowess. At 33, he is seeking a new club after leaving Galatasaray. While his goal-scoring record is impressive, his willingness to play a supporting role is uncertain. Furthermore, reports suggest he is close to joining Lazio, making a move to Everton improbable.
• Joselu: Having recently served as Real Madrid’s first-choice striker, Joselu, now 36, brings considerable experience. His physical presence at 6’4″ offers a different dimension to the attack. A short-term contract would likely suit all parties, and his proven ability could be invaluable to Everton’s young squad. Having left Al-Gharafa earlier this year, he remains unattached.
• Anthony Martial: While his Premier League tenure with Manchester United was marked by inconsistency, Martial, now 30, has a history of scoring goals. His recent departure from Mexican club Monterrey by mutual consent leaves him available. If he could be secured on favorable wages and is willing to accept a backup role, he could be a worthwhile gamble, especially given his familiarity with the league.

Defensive Reinforcements

The full-back situation is particularly concerning, with limited recognized options. The free agent market includes several experienced defenders who could address these needs:

• Oleksandr Zinchenko: Despite a challenging period since leaving Arsenal, including loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Ajax, Zinchenko remains a player with significant Premier League experience. At 29, he is a four-time Premier League winner with a versatile profile, capable of playing at left-back or in midfield. His current injury status and recent lack of consistent game time are factors, but he could be a plausible target if fit and available.
• Raphael Guerreiro: A left-back with extensive experience at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Guerreiro, 32, departed the German club in the summer. While potentially past his absolute prime, he offers valuable experience and could compete for a starting spot, especially given fan frustration with current options. His wage demands might be a consideration for Everton.
• Tyrell Malacia: After a difficult spell at Manchester United, Malacia, 27, was released in the summer. He is in his prime years and is undoubtedly seeking a fresh start. While a return to the Premier League might be met with reluctance after his previous experience, his availability as a left-back could make him a sensible option for Everton, who are thin in that position.
• Dani Carvajal: The former Real Madrid captain, 34, is an experienced right-back still seeking a new club after leaving the Spanish giants. His high previous wages and potential reluctance to relocate to England are significant obstacles. However, his vast experience could be beneficial, and while unlikely, he cannot be entirely ruled out.

Other Notable Free Agents

Beyond the immediate needs at full-back and striker, other established players are available who could potentially strengthen the Everton squad:

• Jadon Sancho: While reportedly nearing a move to Palmeiras in Brazil, Sancho’s availability presents an attacking option.
• Yves Bissouma: Released by Tottenham, Bissouma could offer midfield reinforcement.
• Reiss Nelson: Let go by Arsenal, Nelson is another attacking player who could be considered.
• Riyad Mahrez and Abdoulaye Doucoure: Both former Premier League stalwarts are currently unattached.
• Wilfried Zaha, Tanguy Ndombele, and Raheem Sterling: These high-profile players also remain free agents, though their wage expectations and suitability for Everton’s current situation would require careful evaluation.

Conclusion

Everton’s transfer window concluded with significant challenges, leaving the club with pressing needs in key areas. The free agent market, however, offers a viable avenue to address these shortcomings. While securing top-tier talent like Benzema or Icardi may be aspirational, the availability of experienced defenders and forwards presents realistic opportunities. David Moyes and the Everton hierarchy must act decisively in the free agent market to mitigate the impact of their deadline day setbacks and build a more robust squad for the remainder of the season.