Everton have been offered the opportunity to sign free agent forward Anthony Martial after the club's deadline day move for Folarin Balogun collapsed. According to the Liverpool Echo, intermediaries have reached out to the Merseyside club to present the 30-year-old former Manchester United attacker as an immediate solution to their depleted frontline.
The Balogun fallout and Everton's striker shortage
Everton's summer transfer window ended in frustration when a proposed £40 million deal for AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapsed on deadline day. Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro revealed that while both clubs had signed the contracts, the player pulled out due to concerns over how the Everton medical staff handled his assessment. Manager David Moyes, speaking to ESPN, expressed his disappointment: "We're looking at the free agents' market but I want a team that can be at the top end and can challenge."
The collapse leaves Everton critically short of options up front. Following the high-profile sales of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City and Beto to Fiorentina, 23-year-old Thierno Barry is the only recognised senior striker remaining in Moyes' squad. This severe lack of depth has forced the club to scour the free agent market to avoid a squad registration deficit before the next registration window.
Evaluating Anthony Martial's suitability
Martial is currently unattached after leaving Mexican club Monterrey in June 2026. The French forward, who previously scored 63 Premier League goals for Manchester United and has a historic record of scoring nine times against Everton, struggled during his brief spell in North America. He managed just one goal and three assists across 20 appearances, totalling 800 minutes of action. While his top-flight pedigree in England is established, his recent lack of match fitness and goalscoring form present a significant risk. No formal medical, personal terms, or official club negotiations have yet taken place, with the initial contact remaining strictly exploratory.
