Everton handed Anthony Martial opportunity after striker search ends in disappointment

Everton could turn to Anthony Martial after failing to sign a new striker before the summer transfer window closed.

David Moyes' side explored several attacking options during the closing stages of the window and came close to signing Folarin Balogun from Monaco.

That deal collapsed on deadline day, while Beto's departure to Fiorentina left Everton without the additional centre-forward they had been seeking.

Martial could now provide an alternative route. The former Manchester United forward is a free agent and Everton have reportedly tested the waters over a possible Premier League return.

Everton's need for another striker became increasingly apparent towards the end of the transfer window.

Balogun appeared to be their solution, but negotiations with Monaco ultimately failed to produce an agreement.

With the window now closed, Everton cannot simply return to the conventional transfer market. Free agents, however, remain available.

That has brought Martial into consideration.

The 30-year-old has been without a club since leaving Mexican side Monterrey in July and is currently training individually while waiting for what he considers the right opportunity.

Everton have now made enquiries to determine whether he would be interested in returning to England.

Martial already knows the Premier League extremely well following his nine-year spell at Manchester United.

The Frenchman scored 90 goals and registered 54 assists in 317 appearances for United between 2015 and 2024.

His career has been less productive since leaving Old Trafford.

Martial initially joined AEK Athens before moving to Monterrey a year later. His spell in Mexico produced just one goal and three assists in 20 appearances, totalling 799 minutes.

He was reportedly earning around €3.5m per year, and his salary expectations have complicated interest from potential suitors.

Two unnamed Ligue 1 clubs have already approached Martial. One was positioned in the top half of the table, while another was battling against relegation.

Martial rejected both opportunities because neither club could guarantee him an important enough role.

An unnamed Champions League club also showed interest before eventually withdrawing.

That situation potentially creates an opening for Everton.

Martial is reportedly looking for the ideal project to relaunch his career and appears determined to join a club where he can play a significant role.

Everton could potentially offer exactly that after missing out on Balogun and selling Beto.

There would still be questions surrounding Martial's recent form and whether his financial demands fit Everton's plans, but his free-agent status removes the need to negotiate a transfer fee.

Most importantly, the decision appears to be in Everton's hands if they can convince Martial that Goodison Park represents the right environment for his attempted comeback.

Everton must now decide whether their initial enquiry develops into concrete negotiations with Martial.

The striker appears willing to wait for a project that guarantees him a meaningful role, so Moyes' need for another attacking option could give Everton an advantage. Salary and sporting guarantees are likely to be important factors if discussions progress.

If Everton decide against moving forward, Martial can continue considering offers as a free agent while searching for the opportunity that will allow him to relaunch his career.