Transfers
Everton turn to Icardi after Balogun deal falls amid striker crisis
Everton face a pressing need for a proven striker after selling Beto to Fiorentina and missing out on Folarin Balogun, Richarlison, Tammy Abraham and Joshua Zirkzee. The club are now weighing a free‑transfer move for 33‑year‑old Argentine Mauro Icardi, who netted 14 goals in 47 games for Galatasaray last season.
David Moyes must decide whether his side can rely on Thierno Barry and the 18‑year‑old Braiden Graham, who featured on the bench in the recent 2‑2 draw with Manchester United. Goals from Tyrique George and Ainsley Maitland‑Niles rescued the point, but the lack of a regular goal‑scorer remains a concern.
Other suitors and missed deals
Everton have been linked with Jamie Vardy, who has already joined Burnley, as well as Karim Benzema and Anthony Martial, both reportedly offered but not signed. The club also entertained a move for Mauro Icardi after his contract with Galatasaray expired.
Icardi’s record includes spells at Inter Milan and Paris Saint‑Germain, and he finished last term with 14 goals in 47 appearances for Galatasaray. Off‑field, he has been involved in a public divorce and alleged unpaid rent in Istanbul.
What Icardi could bring
If Icardi can deliver around ten Premier League goals, Everton could improve their push for a European place. The Toffees previously prepared to spend £40m on Balogun, a 25‑year‑old American whose Arsenal stint ended after ten appearances.
IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio By  James Beavis AM GMT+1 is a Senior Editor at GIVEMESPORT and has worked in the online Football media industry for more than 10 years, having graduated with a Sports Journalism degree from Southampton Solent University in 2012. James joined Football FanCast in 2016 following a three‑year spell working for Shoot Magazine, working his way up from freelance writer to editor, before moving across to GMS in 2020. He has created exclusive, opinion and news content on GiveMeSport, with a predominant focus on the Premier League. The article is posted on GiveMeSport Us, and readers can Follow, Log, Try or Give feedback. Reuters reported the story from the South, and the headline Better Than Balogun Open Joining Free Transfer was used.