Everton Close In On £42m Star After Major Transfer Twist: How Can Moyes Use Him In 2026/27? | OneFootball

Everton’s pursuit of Barış Alper Yılmaz has taken another twist after Tottenham Hotspur joined the race for the Galatasaray winger. Turkish newspaper Türkiye, relayed by Sport Witness, reports that both Premier League clubs have already made verbal contact and are preparing official bids for the Turkey international. Galatasaray turned down Everton’s opening €35 million offer because the Turkish champions want €50 million. Their stance makes sense.

Everton face fresh competition for Galatasaray star

Former club Ankara Keçiörengücü hold a 20% sell-on clause, meaning Galatasaray want to maximise every possible pound from the deal. Yılmaz has already admitted that the Premier League is his preferred destination, yet he has refused to push for an exit and wants club officials to decide his future. Galatasaray, meanwhile, are willing to sell as they hope to finance an ambitious move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, although reports from Italy claim the Portuguese star has little interest in leaving San Siro for Turkey. With formal offers expected soon, this transfer story could reach its conclusion within the next 10 days.

T4O take: Everton would add exactly what David Moyes wants

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Baris Alper Yilmaz #21 of Turkiye reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Yılmaz produced outstanding numbers during the 2025/26 Süper Lig season, scoring eight goals and supplying 11 assists in 30 league appearances. Few wide players matched his consistency. Fresh reports suggest he has already agreed personal terms with Everton, while club representatives have travelled to Istanbul with an improved proposal worth close to Galatasaray’s £42 million valuation.

Moyes has always trusted wide players who defend aggressively before driving teams up the pitch. That’s exactly where Yılmaz stands out. His 22.49 mph top speed gives Everton another genuine outlet during transitions, while his 57% aerial duel success rate offers an extra option from Jordan Pickford’s long distribution. Those traits don’t appear often in one player.

Everton would gain valuable attacking flexibility

His role wouldn’t stay fixed on the right wing. Moyes could shift Yılmaz through the middle whenever Beto or Thierno Barry struggle to influence matches, using his relentless running to stretch defensive lines and create gaps for Merlin Röhl arriving from midfield.

International football has reinforced his growing reputation. Yılmaz has already scored three goals for Turkey during 2026, including a decisive display against the United States. Pace, physicality and relentless work without possession all suit Moyes’ football. Everton haven’t possessed many attackers with that complete profile, which explains why club officials appear determined to bridge the remaining gap with Galatasaray rather than walk away.