Everton appeared ready to live without another striker after Deadline Day.
The latest Jamie Vardy report suggests that position may not be quite so fixed.
David Moyes has been left with Thierno Barry as his only recognised senior centre-forward following Beto’s departure and the collapse of the Folarin Balogun deal.
If Everton do reconsider the free-agent market, these are among the names still available.
Eight free-agent strikers Everton could consider
| Player | Age | Last club | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Vardy | 39 | Cremonese | Obvious short-term cover. |
| Anthony Martial | 30 | Monterrey | Already offered to Everton. |
| Mauro Icardi | 33 | Galatasaray | Proven scorer, likely costly. |
| Danny Ings | 33 | Sheffield United | Experienced, sensible deputy. |
| Myron Boadu | 25 | PSV | Younger and more intriguing. |
| Joselu | 36 | Al-Gharafa | Genuine No.9, but has other interest. |
| Eddie Salcedo | 24 | OFI Crete | Younger wildcard. |
| Karim Benzema | 38 | Al-Hilal | Available, but surely unrealistic. |
Jamie Vardy
The most topical name. Everton are reportedly considering Vardy after he departed from Cremonese, where he scored seven Serie A goals last season. He also has 145 Premier League goals behind him.
Anthony Martial
Already reportedly offered to Everton. Martial is only 30 and scored 63 Premier League goals for Manchester United, but his injury record and recent form make this a gamble.
Mauro Icardi
Still only 33 and a natural penalty-box striker. His Galatasaray contract expired this summer, although wages would surely be a major consideration.
Danny Ings
Perhaps the most obvious low-key option. Ings is 33, has more than 200 Premier League appearances and is currently without a club after leaving Sheffield United.
Myron Boadu
Possibly the most interesting name on the list. At 25, Boadu is much younger than most of the available market. PSV decided not to keep him after last season, when he scored three times in 17 appearances.
Joselu
A proper centre-forward with experience in England, Spain and Germany. He is free after leaving Al-Gharafa, although Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Berlin and Lazio have all been linked.
Eddie Salcedo
The wildcard. Salcedo is 24, a former Italy Under-21 international and available after leaving OFI Crete. He would be a development punt rather than a proven Premier League answer.
Karim Benzema
The name that gets attention, but almost certainly not the answer.
Benzema is a free agent following the termination of his Al-Hilal contract, although reports suggest retirement or another Saudi move are more likely than a return to Europe.
Once the famous names are stripped away, the sensible choices narrow quickly.
Which perhaps explains why Everton initially appeared willing to wait until January. But who knows…
For updates on the Toffees throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
