David Moyes with hands on hips on sideline

Everton manager David MoyesImago

Three free agents Everton must consider signing to solve striker crisis

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

02 Sep 2026, 6:00 pm

Everton now face a gruelling 2026-27 campaign after their disastrous transfer deadline day.

David Moyes’ squad only has one senior striker in his team in Thierno Barry after Beto was sold to Fiorentina.

The Toffees had hoped to bring in Folarin Balogun, but the attacker walked away from a deal at the last minute.

As a result, the Merseyside club may now have to dip into the free agent market to solve their current crisis.

Luckily, there are plenty of strikers without a club who boast Premier League experience and could prove to be strong back-ups to Barry this season.

Below, Football Insider has highlighted three free agents who Everton must consider making moves for.

Everton now in striker crisis

If Barry picks up an injury any time soon, Everton are in deep trouble.

Therefore, the club would be wise to explore potential options out in the loan market.

Perhaps the best striker available for Everton at the moment is Jamie Vardy.

The Leicester City legend has been without a club since he was released by Cremonese in the summer.

The 39-year-old was actually pretty solid in Serie A last season and netted seven goals, and was even the division’s Player of the Month for November.

Another potential option is Anthony Martial. The former Manchester United attacker departed MLS side Monterrey in the summer after a poor spell.

However, the 30-year-old could soon bounce back, and his experience in the Premier League could make him a useful addition to the Toffees.

Finally, Danny Ings is also yet to find a club after being released by Sheffield United.

The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker is no doubt at the twilight of his career, but could prove to be a solid option if Barry was to pick up an injury.

David Moyes will quit Everton after calamitous deadline day – verdict

What are the odds that Everton will be relegated this season?

Despite Everton fans’ current concerns regarding the squad, relegation is seen as unlikely.

Opta, on 2 September, believes that the club have just a 9.55 per cent chance of going down this season.

Obviously, this could increase if Everton find themselves in an injury crisis and results begin to go against them.

However, it would appear that even with a lack of depth, the Toffees should still find themselves above the bottom three come the end of the campaign.

David Moyes