Everton are considering a move for ex-Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi, after missing out on a striker in the summer transfer window.
David Moyes has been left without a natural back-up option for Thierno Barry, as Folarin Balogun opted against a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on deadline day, despite undergoing a medical.
As such, should Moyes want to bring in a new centre-forward before January, his only choice is to sign a free agent, and talks have been held regarding the potential signing of Anthony Martial, who has been without a club since leaving Monterrey.
Martial has Premier League experience, and scored 63 goals in the competition during his time with Manchester United, but the 30-year-old isn’t the only option in the frame, with Icardi also under consideration.
The Argentinian’s contract expired at the end of June, meaning he is now available as a free agent, and even though he is unproven in England, the 33-year-old has maintained a solid goalscoring record throughout his career to date.
Mauro Icardi’s goalscoring record | Appearances | Goals |
Inter Milan | 219 | 124 |
Galatasaray | 134 | 77 |
PSG | 92 | 38 |
Sampdoria Primavera | 39 | 30 |
UC Sampdoria | 33 | 11 |
European football expert Andy Brassell has suggested the South American has started to change his reputation too, despite former international teammate Lionel Messi not being particularly fond of him previously.
Brassell said: “The fact is, he’s been super professional at Galatasaray. He’s been a leader, he’s been good with young players, he’s connected with the supporters, he makes a great effort, and his goal-scoring prowess is absolutely undimmed.
“He is an unbelievable finisher. The sort of guy you would get to score your goals if you really needed it in the winter transfer window.
“A lot of Premier League clubs who should be having a dart at Icardi wouldn’t touch him, probably because of his reputation, probably because [Lionel] Messi didn’t want him anywhere near the Argentina team, and that was part of the reason his international career ended ages ago.”
Mauro Icardi now in Everton’s sights
According to ESPN reporter Luiz Carlos Largo, Icardi has now emerged as a target for Everton, with the Toffees still searching for a Balogun alternative after the deal for the AS Monaco striker fell through on deadline day.
The 33-year-old’s availability as a free agent means he has emerged as an option for the Merseysiders, and he could be a solid signing if he is able to replicate some of his performances for Paris-Saint Germain, Inter Milan and Galatasaray.
That said, the eight-cap Argentina international could now be in the latter stages of his career, as he is set to turn 34 in February, and he suffered an ACL injury during the 2024-25 season, which could feasibly have a long-term impact.
One thing that’s clear is Moyes will need to sign a new striker sooner rather than later, as Barry cannot be expected to start every single match, and the Frenchman is currently the only natural centre-forward at the club.
