Everton Consider free‑agent Icardi after James Rodriguez impact

The 33‑year‑old Mauro Icardi, currently unattached after leaving Galatasaray, has emerged as Their Next Surprise Big-Name free‑agent target for Everton as manager David Moyes looks to bolster a striking line‑up that lost Beto and Iliman Ndiaye on deadline day, while striker Thierno Barry enjoys a strong start.

Moyes has made it clear that Everton are scanning the Free market for an Agent who can deliver goals. A quote from The Scotsman reads: "We are looking at the free agents market. I am trying to get a team that is going to be at the top end and challenge." The club’s urgency grew after a disappointing window that saw no permanent centre‑forward signings.

Icardi’s pedigree and Galatasaray endorsement

Mauro Icardi, 33, arrives with two Ligue 1 titles at Paris Saint‑Germain, a Serie A Footballer of the Year award and 35 Champions League appearances. He scored 16 times across all competitions last season and has amassed 77 goals for Galatasaray since 2022. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk praised him, saying: "Icardi is not a player to be easily given up on… He is an important person for us, for me, for Galatasaray. We entrust the captaincy to Icardi."

James Rodriguez precedent at Goodison Park

Everton’s gamble on James Rodriguez paid off when the Colombian delivered six goals and five assists in his debut campaign. Richarlison later said: "The arrival of James was very important… I was very happy because the team needed a player with James’ qualities." That uplift is what Moyes hopes to replicate with Icardi.

Toby Bryant AM GMT+1, a senior sports journalist with GiveMeSport since July 2026, previously worked for LondonWorld covering Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and West Ham. He was a Sports Lifestyle Writer for Iconic Media, rising through Brighton and Newcastle newsrooms, and has contributed to, Daily, FantasyFootballScout, Magazine, Metro and the Irish Times. His reporting spans News, Us, Try, Give, We, Move and Name in the free‑agent arena.

Everton now rely heavily on Thierno Barry, the only centre‑forward on the books, and Moyes admits the club is one injury away from a striker crisis. Adding a veteran such as Icardi could provide the experience and goal‑scoring instinct needed to avoid that scenario.

The free‑agent market remains a fertile ground for clubs seeking experienced talent without transfer fees, and Everton’s pursuit of Icardi underscores a broader trend of Premier League sides turning to seasoned internationals to plug squad gaps.