Barış Alper Yılmaz has no Premier League history and a limited profile in England outside this summer’s World Cup.
Here’s the background on the player Everton are reportedly targeting.
Route to Galatasaray
Yılmaz, 26, didn’t come through one of Turkey’s big academies. Born in Rize on the Black Sea coast, he started at Ankara Demirspor before a spell at Ankara Keçiörengücü, both in the lower tiers of Turkish football. Galatasaray signed him from Keçiörengücü in 2021 for around €2.1m.
He has since won four league titles, a Turkish Cup and a Super Cup at the club, and is a regular starter rather than a squad option.
Playing style
Yılmaz operates mainly as a left winger but has played across the front line and occasionally at right-back. Scouting reports describe him as direct and quick, looking to take defenders on and drive at goal rather than build play through possession.
His progressive passing and ball retention are weaker areas. He’s also rated a willing defensive contributor for a wide forward, tracking back and helping out in his own box.
This season’s numbers
Yılmaz recorded eight goals and 11 assists in 30 Süper Lig appearances in 2025-26, his best return yet, adding a further goal in the Champions League as Galatasaray reached the knockout stages.
World Cup 2026
This was Yılmaz’s first World Cup. Turkey lost their opening two Group D matches, to Australia and Paraguay, and were already eliminated by the time they played the United States.
Yılmaz scored in that final group game, his shot deflecting past the USA goalkeeper, as Turkey won 3-2 through a stoppage-time Kaan Ayhan goal. He went into the tournament with 34 caps and three international goals, having also played at Euro 2024.
What he’d offer Everton
Yılmaz would give Moyes a versatile attacking option capable of playing off either flank or centrally.
His ‘underdeveloped’ passing game means he’d likely need time to adapt to Premier League football. At £35m, Everton’s reported offer currently sits well below Galatasaray’s valuation of around €50m.
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