David Moyes Looks For Free Agents For Everton: Who Might Be The Best Option?

David Moyes Looks For Free Agents For Everton: Who Might Be The Best Option? Everton face a striker problem after David Moyes confirmed the club are checking the free-agent market after a chaotic Deadline Day. Moyes admitted he was disappointed that more business did not get over the line, yet he refused to pin the outcome on any one person. The key failure came in the £40m move for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun. Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina, but the transfer collapsed after Balogun changed his mind. Everton also saw loan approaches for Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham rejected. That left Thierno Barry as Moyes’ only recognised senior centre-forward. Read Everton reports that Moyes has opened the door to free agents, although he named no targets or suggested a deal was close. Reports elsewhere have since linked Everton with Jamie Vardy and Anthony Martial, both unattached options for the depleted attack now. Barry cannot carry the workload alone for four months. He has started well, scoring against Crystal Palace before hitting three in the 4-0 Carabao Cup win at Preston. That form, though, does not remove the injury risk. Everton sold Beto and Ndiaye with Manchester City paying £60m plus £5m in add-ons for Ndiaye. Calling that a £65m “loss” misses the point. The fee was significant, but the sale removed another attacking player from Moyes’ squad. The issue now concerns depth. Everton should consider a short-term veteran BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Everton manager, David Moyes looks on during the players warm up ahead of the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Anthony Martial makes more sense to me than Vardy if the wages and fitness demands stay sensible. Martial, aged 30, offers Premier League experience, can play as the lone striker, and has enough quality to link attacks rather than simply wait for service. That suits Moyes’ system. Vardy, 39, brings an extraordinary Premier League record and seven Cremonese goals last season, but his age limits the choice. He turns 40 in January. Everton need insurance, not a long-term commitment. Everton cannot gamble on one striker This is why I would favour a heavily incentivised short contract, with appearances and goals carrying much of the upside. It limits financial exposure while giving Moyes another genuine No.9, something he currently lacks. There is a fair argument for waiting until January. Yet the latest Moyes comments suggest the situation may have changed. Barry now carries a huge burden, and one awkward tackle could turn a squad problem into a crisis.