The names keep coming. Mauro Icardi, Anthony Martial, Jordan Ayew and Danny Ings have all entered the Everton conversation since the transfer window closed.
None is the striker Everton expected to be considering at this stage. But with Thierno Barry the only recognised senior No.9 in David Moyes’ squad, the question isn’t going away.
Do Everton act now or wait for January?
Moyes has already confirmed Everton are looking at the free-agent market after their frustrating end to Deadline Day.
He stopped short of naming names and did not indicate that a signing was imminent, but the door is clearly open. That alone explains why every available striker with a decent CV is now being discussed.
The most interesting part is what happens if Everton decide not to act.
A fresh report on Tuesday claimed the club would only consider moving for Anthony Martial if Barry suffered an injury in the coming weeks. That should still be treated as a report rather than an official Everton position, but if accurate it would leave Moyes with little natural cover until January.
Barry became even more important after Beto was sold to Fiorentina and the proposed £40m move for Folarin Balogun collapsed on Deadline Day. The Guardian reported that the failure of that deal left Moyes with only one senior striker.
The free-agent options are hardly perfect.
Cover needed… not a replacement
Mauro Icardi has reportedly been offered to Everton, while Martial, Ayew and Ings have all been mentioned in one form or another. Each comes with an obvious caveat, whether age, recent form or simply the fact Everton have shown no confirmed interest.
But Everton don’t necessarily need somebody to come in and take Barry’s place. They need somebody capable of covering him, coming off the bench and allowing Moyes to avoid reaching January with one natural senior centre-forward carrying the entire load.
Moyes has already admitted the free-agent market is being considered.
Whether Everton decide one of those options is worth taking is another thing entirely. But the longer they leave it, the more the decision becomes a gamble on Barry staying fit.
Note: Vardy and Ayew have since found clubs.
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