Everton Football Club is reportedly evaluating the possibility of signing Anthony Martial, the former Manchester United forward, as they search for a striker to enhance their attacking lineup. According to talkSPORT, Martial is available as a free agent and is open to a return to the Premier League. This development comes at a critical juncture for Everton, as manager David Moyes is in urgent need of attacking reinforcements.
The urgency for Everton stems from their current predicament in the striking department. After a late transfer for Folarin Balogun fell through on Deadline Day, the club finds itself in a precarious situation, with only Thierno Barry available as a forward option. The report highlights that the club is “desperate for a striker,” making the emergence of Martial's name in transfer discussions particularly relevant.
Martial, who is now 30 years old, has been without a club since his stint in Mexico with Monterrey ended earlier this year. During his time at Manchester United, he made a significant impact, netting 63 goals and providing 33 assists in 209 appearances. However, his career trajectory has taken a downturn since leaving Old Trafford, raising questions about his current form and fitness.
In his brief tenure at AEK Athens, Martial managed to score nine goals and provide two assists over 24 matches. His time at Monterrey, however, was less fruitful, as he only managed to score once in 20 appearances. Additionally, injuries have plagued him, including a serious dislocated shoulder that curtailed his time in Mexico. These factors contribute to the skepticism surrounding his potential return to the Premier League.
Everton's search for a striker has already seen them pursue multiple avenues. The club had been close to securing Balogun from Monaco, with the player even in Liverpool to finalize the transfer, before he opted out due to medical concerns. Following this setback, Everton made late attempts to sign Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham, both of which were unsuccessful. As options dwindle, the free agent market has become a viable consideration, and Martial's availability aligns with the club's pressing needs.
Historically, Martial was regarded as one of Europe's most promising young forwards when he joined Manchester United for £36 million in 2015. Despite flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and injury issues have hindered his ability to maintain a high level of performance. The source notes that his career has “taken a nosedive since his exit” from United, a sentiment that is supported by his recent statistics.
Adding another layer to this situation is Everton's upcoming match against Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. This fixture could influence the negotiations surrounding Martial, as it presents an opportunity for both clubs to reassess their strategies. Whether Everton will move forward with an offer remains uncertain, but for now, Martial is under consideration as Moyes seeks to address the club's urgent need for a reliable striker.
While the prospect of signing Martial may seem appealing due to his past accolades, it raises concerns about his current form and fitness. Everton supporters are understandably wary, having witnessed previous attempts to sign players that did not yield positive results. If the club decides to proceed with a deal, it would need to be financially low-risk and include provisions for his fitness, as the need for a dependable striker is paramount for Everton's ambitions this season.
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