Path cleared for Everton to sign shock Folarin Balogun alternative

7 Sept 2026 16:02 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Everton may now have a free run at former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial after he reportedly turned down a return to France.

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The 30-year-old has endured a dramatic fall from grace in recent years. Once a €60 million forward, Martial is now a free agent after a brief spell at Monterrey in Mexico, where he scored just one goal in 20 appearances.

It followed a mixed stint at AEK Athens, whom he joined after departing Man Utd on a free transfer in 2024. The former France international bagged nine goals in 24 appearances during his one season in Greece.

Current ETV

Anthony Martial

F (C), M (L)

Anthony Martial

F (C), M (L)

ETV Range

€1.9M - €2.9M

Martial last had a genuinely impressive season in 2019/20, notching 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Man Utd as they finished third in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and behind champions Liverpool and runners-up Man City.

Martial is one of numerous high-profile free agents still available following the close of the transfer window, and he could be on his way back to the Premier League despite his underwhelming form over the past six years.

Everton could sign Martial

Last week, reports claimed that Everton were considering making a move for the experienced attacker following their disastrous Deadline Day, which saw them sell striker Beto without bringing in a replacement.

Notably, a potential €50m transfer for AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun collapsed, then was on again, only to yet again collapse at the 11th hour when the striker had a change of heart, leaving the Toffees with Thierno Barry as their only natural centre-forward.

The disastrous end to Everton's window, which sparked a fan revolt in the immediate aftermath, has given rise to the notion that the Merseyside club could dip into the free agents market to bolster David Moyes' squad.

According to Foot Mercato, Martial remains an option for Everton, and all the more so after he turned down offers from two Ligue 1 clubs because they couldn't guarantee him a prominent starting role.

The forward also received an enquiry from a Champions League side, but the club decided against proceeding with a potential deal. This could leave Everton with a clear run at Martial.

The Toffees could be a more appealing option than the two unnamed French sides simply because of their lack of depth. Even if they were to refrain from making any game time guarantees, Martial would surely get ample opportunities to get on the pitch.

The main issue with signing the Frenchman is that it would likely take some time for him to get up to speed with the level of the Premier League. He hasn't featured in a competitive match since March, so it may take several weeks for him to be fully match-ready.