Everton are in the second summer of a two year rebuild following the Friedkins' takeover of the club, as they look to become regular challengers for Europe.
The Toffees finished 13th in the Premier League last term, but before a run of seven games without a win to close the season they were still well within touching distance of a UEFA Champions League berth.
With expectations considerably higher going into this season than they have in years gone by, the club are looking to strengthen all over the pitch this window, and a move for Turkish winger Baris Alper Yilmaz outlines those intentions.
According to HTSport (via Sport Witness), David Moyes' men have seen a €35m bid for Yilmaz rejected by Galatasaray, who are demanding somewhere in the region of €50m for the Turkish international.
This was backed up by journalist Alan Myers, with the former Sky Sports journalist posting on X that he has been told there is some truth in the links.
HTspor's report suggests that a second offer is likely to be made in the near future, going as far to say that representatives of The People's Club are currently in Turkey to try and finalise a deal.
Personal terms appear to have been agreed too, Yilmaz is rumoured to have turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League as he looks to achieve a Premier League dream this summer.
Creating chances, and scoring, is something that the Merseyside club have struggled with for years as they battled to stay in the Premier League, and that trend continued into last season despite the improved performance.
Everton only notched 47 goals last term, one more than relegated West Ham.
Yilmaz looks like a player who could certainly provide both firepower and a touch of creativity, registering eight goals and twelve assists in 30 Turkish Super Lig appearances in 2025/26.
Toffees' fans may find some enjoyment in the fact that he assisted Galatasaray's goal in their 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over the old foe Liverpool last September too.
Comparing the Rize-born man's stats with Premier League players, his 0.32 assists per 90 last season is better than any player in the Premier League -- 0.07 better than another Everton target in Jack Grealish.
Baris Alper Yilmaz Stats
Stat | Total | Comparison to Premier League |
Assists per 90 | 0.32 | 1st |
Shot assists | 1.77 | 2nd |
Playing in scoring attacks | 0.86 | 2nd |
Successful dribbles in final third per 90 | 2.82 | 2nd |
Successful crosses per 90 | 1.18 | 4th |
Duels won per 90 | 10.14 | 2nd |
Key passes per 90 | 0.73 | 8th |
Overall, a dynamic player who could become a key attacking player for David Moyes' men -- should the two clubs agree a fee -- this saga may still depend on the futures of Iliman Ndiaye and the aforementioned Grealish and whether they will both be plying their trade at the Hill Dickinson next season.
Fans will also hope that he adapts to the division better than the only other Turkish player to feature for Everton, Cenk Tosun.
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