Mauro Icardi: Everton's Free-Agent Striker Target
Everton are weighing up a move for Mauro Icardi as David Moyes searches urgently for a striker to lead his attack.
With the transfer window closed and only Thierno Barry recognised as a natural centre-forward in the senior squad, the club’s recruitment team at Hill Dickinson Stadium have turned to the free-agent market. Icardi, 33 and out of contract since leaving Galatasaray at the end of the 2025-26 season, has emerged as one of the standout names on their shortlist.
The Argentine, who built his reputation as a ruthless finisher at Inter Milan and later turned out for Paris Saint-Germain, has never played in England. That could change in the coming weeks.
Icardi offered to Everton
Everton’s late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed on deadline day, leaving Moyes short of firepower and the club scrambling for solutions. The hunt has now shifted to unattached players, and Icardi’s name has quickly moved to the forefront.
According to TyC Sports journalist German Garcia Grova, speaking on 7 September, Icardi has been formally offered to the Merseyside club. The message from his camp is clear: they are open to a move, and Everton are being viewed as a realistic next destination.
For a side that has lacked a reliable, seasoned finisher, the profile is tempting. Last season, Icardi hit 16 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray, despite spending much of the campaign behind Victor Osimhen in the pecking order. He operated largely from the bench, yet still found ways to influence games.
Why Icardi fits Moyes’ needs
Icardi is no longer the explosive, penalty-box predator who terrorised Serie A defences at his peak, but his core skill has not faded: finishing. Everton need that badly.
He faced Liverpool and Juventus in the Champions League last season, a reminder that he still operates comfortably at a high level and can handle the intensity and scrutiny that would come with life in L3. He might not be the quickest or most flamboyant forward anymore, but inside the box he remains clinical.
The numbers back it up. In the Super Lig last term, Icardi scored 14 league goals with a 24 per cent conversion rate, outperforming an xG of 10.53, according to Sofascore. When chances fell his way, he made them count.
That contrasts sharply with Barry’s current situation. The young striker is still learning his trade on Merseyside and has been wasteful in recent outings. Moyes needs reliability now, not just potential.
An experienced, penalty-area specialist who can turn half-chances into goals would instantly change the complexion of Everton’s attack. Icardi, even at 33, ticks that box.
The question is timing. Do Everton move quickly to bring him in as a free agent, or hold their nerve until January and chase younger, longer-term targets?
