Everton have lodged a €35 million offer to sign Turkish international Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray, signalling a serious intent to reshape their attacking line ahead of next season. The Merseyside club see the 26‑year‑old as a key target in the current transfer window and are pushing to bring him to the Premier League this summer.
Reports in Turkey indicate that Galatasaray have officially received Everton’s proposal, which values the winger at €35 million. However, the Super Lig champions are holding firm on a substantially higher valuation. They are believed to want around €50 million before even considering parting ways with one of their most dynamic attackers, meaning negotiations are still at an early and delicate stage.
Yilmaz has developed into a crucial figure for Galatasaray since arriving from Ankara Keciorengucu in July 2021. Initially viewed as a promising but raw prospect, he has steadily grown into a regular starter in the final third, both for his club and for the Turkish national team. Over the last five years, he has transformed from a rotational option into a consistent performer at domestic and international level.
The 2024/25 campaign marked a notable upturn in his productivity, but it was the 2025/26 season that truly underlined his evolution. During that season, Yilmaz recorded 12 goals and 16 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, a standout return for a wide attacker. His end product, work rate and adaptability across the frontline have caught the eye of scouts from several major European clubs.
While his form in the 2026 FIFA World Cup did not quite match his club heroics, his overall trajectory has remained impressively upward. Clubs value not just his statistical output, but also his tactical flexibility: Yilmaz is capable of operating on either flank, as a second striker, and even as an energetic pressing forward when required. That versatility is one of the core reasons Everton are pushing so hard for his signature.
Everton have tracked Yilmaz for a considerable period, and their renewed move now comes at a time of uncertainty within their own attacking department. Manager David Moyes is growing increasingly concerned about the long‑term future of Iliman Ndiaye, who has attracted concrete interest from heavyweight clubs and is heavily linked with a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League, with Al‑Hilal among his potential suitors. Losing Ndiaye would strip Everton of a key creative presence and a mobile forward who can unlock defences.
There is also a question mark over Jack Grealish. The English attacker has not yet returned to Everton following the conclusion of his loan spell, and although the club are believed to be fast‑tracking negotiations to bring him back, no agreement is in place. Given these uncertainties, Everton’s recruitment department has identified the need for a high‑impact wide forward who can both score and create, and Yilmaz has emerged as one of the most appealing options on the market.
From Everton’s perspective, a €35 million bid represents both ambition and a measure of restraint. They are clearly willing to invest heavily in a key attacking piece, yet they are also wary of overpaying in a market where fees for proven European performers are spiralling. Galatasaray’s €50 million valuation reflects the player’s importance to their system and their financial strength; they are under no immediate pressure to sell and are therefore prepared to push negotiations to the limit.
The player’s own stance remains a crucial unknown in this transfer saga. Moving to Everton would almost certainly mean stepping away from regular European football in the short term. Galatasaray have been mainstays in continental competitions, whereas Everton are currently in a rebuilding phase and cannot guarantee immediate participation in the Champions League or Europa League. For a 26‑year‑old entering his prime years, that trade‑off between personal development, financial incentives and sporting ambition will be central to any decision.
On the other hand, the allure of the Premier League is powerful. It offers significantly higher global visibility, the chance to test himself weekly against some of the best defenders in the world, and the opportunity to become a central figure in a project at a historic English club. For Yilmaz, such a move could accelerate his profile on the international stage and potentially cement his place as a first‑choice starter for Turkey heading into future major tournaments.
Tactically, Yilmaz fits several of Everton’s pressing needs. Under Moyes, Everton favour hard‑working attackers who contribute defensively, press aggressively and can transition quickly from defence to attack. Yilmaz’s game is built on intensity: he tracks back willingly, presses full‑backs and centre‑backs, and is comfortable in physically demanding matches. That profile makes him well suited to the rigours of English football, where tempo and physicality are key.
In possession, he offers a blend of directness and creativity. On the right flank, he can cut inside onto his stronger foot to shoot or play incisive passes between the lines. On the left, he is capable of driving to the byline and delivering low crosses across the box. His 12‑goal, 16‑assist season underlines that he is not merely a dribbler or a runner in behind; he contributes end product consistently, something Everton have lacked from wide areas in recent campaigns.
A transfer of this scale would also carry strategic implications for Everton’s wider squad planning. Should they succeed in landing Yilmaz, it might affect their stance on Ndiaye’s future, potentially making a big offer for the Senegalese forward easier to accept. Equally, it could influence negotiations for Grealish’s return, as the club would need to balance wage structure, playing time and tactical roles among their attacking options.
From Galatasaray’s viewpoint, the decision is complex. Yilmaz is entering his peak and plays a central role in their attacking scheme, combining with the centre‑forward and full‑backs to stretch opponents. Losing him would create a significant hole that would require careful reinvestment. However, a fee closer to €50 million would give them considerable financial firepower to strengthen multiple positions, cover any future departures and secure long-term targets.
The negotiations are likely to be prolonged. Everton’s initial €35 million offer serves as a starting point rather than a final statement. A compromise could theoretically be found through performance‑related bonuses, add‑ons based on appearances or goals, and clauses linked to European qualification. Such a package would allow Everton to protect themselves financially while enabling Galatasaray to edge closer to their asking price.
Another factor to watch is the player’s contract situation. While specific details are not publicly highlighted in this context, any remaining term on Yilmaz’s deal will shape how much leverage Galatasaray have. A long contract empowers them to resist lower bids; a deal nearing its final years could push them toward cashing in at a high point in the player’s market value.
For Everton supporters, the potential arrival of Yilmaz would be a statement that the club is serious about modernising its attack. In recent seasons, they have often lacked pace, width and unpredictability in the final third. A multi-functional winger in his mid‑twenties who combines pressing, direct running and end product would bring a different dimension to their front line and help bridge the gap between defence and attack.
For neutrals, this transfer story encapsulates several modern football themes: the financial muscle of Premier League clubs, the growing reputation of the Turkish league as a platform for talent, and the tricky balance players must strike between staying at a club that regularly plays in Europe and moving to a more competitive domestic environment. How Yilmaz and the two clubs navigate these competing interests will shape the final outcome.
As it stands, Everton’s €35 million bid has put the ball firmly in Galatasaray’s court, but a deal is far from guaranteed. The gap to the €50 million valuation, the player’s own ambitions, and the need to balance sporting and financial priorities on both sides suggest that any agreement, if it comes, will follow detailed negotiations rather than a quick resolution. For now, a Premier League move for Baris Alper Yilmaz is a realistic possibility, but not yet a done deal.