Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Tue 19 August 2025 9:27, UK

Everton are reportedly in the race to sign free agent striker Jamie Vardy this summer as they look to address their attacking woes.

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The Toffees have already been busy in the summer market, signing the likes of Jack Grealish, Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

However, Monday night’s 1-0 defeat at Leeds United proved that far more is needed if Evertonians are to get their wish and see their side compete back in the top half of the Premier League table.

Everton managed just one shot on target all night against a newly-promoted side — following on from a run of just one win and six goals in seven pre-season matches, losing five.

Jamie Vardy’s Leicester career stats (Credit: Imago)

According to the Mail [August 19], Everton are one of the latest sides to have registered their interest in Vardy.

Now 38 years old, Vardy is a free agent after leaving Leicester City at the end of last season, but many still see him as a viable option after netting 10 goals across all competitions in a poor Foxes side.

Old Firm duo Celtic and Rangers have been linked with Vardy all summer, with many seeing Scotland as a league where the veteran can still thrive.

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However, there’s clearly a sense that Vardy has something yet to offer at the highest level, with Serie A champions Napoli viewing him as a potential short-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku after he was ruled out for three months with injury.

Everton‘s links to Vardy come as Leeds submitted a formal bid for Beto last season – as reported by Football Insider – despite already signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and the Toffees striker starting against the Whites at Elland Road on Monday.

David Moyes needs more signings (Credit: Imago)

Football Insider verdict

Recent performances have proven that Everton are definitely in need of attacking reinforcements if they’re to end a four-year run in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

That need would only increase if Beto were to join Leeds, leaving Barry as the only serious option to start up-front — besides Youssef Chermiti, who is yet to score a goal in over two years as an Everton player.

The temptation to sign someone of Vardy’s pedigree and experience on a free would be very tempting, but Everton must focus their efforts on younger stars who can carry them into this new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Malick Fofana, Tyler Dibling and Takefusa Kubo are just some of the wingers Everton have been linked with, and each would help with their attacking struggles in their own way.

David Moyes may well still need a No.9 after that, but they should be in keeping with the younger and upwardly mobile options they’ve already been going for throughout this summer.

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