Everton chase Brighton winger Solly March on free transfer

Brighton have decided not to extend Solly March contract, allowing the 31-year-old winger to leave the AMEX Stadium as a free agent this summer after 13 years at the club, with Everton, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Newcastle United among seven Premier League sides TEAMtalk report are interested in signing him.

Brighton held an option to extend March’s deal by a further 12 months and have opted against using it following discussions between the club and his agent Tony Finnigan. The decision draws a line under one of the longer and more quietly distinguished careers in Premier League history at a single club.

Why Solly March suits Everton and what the injury caveat means

Everton’s interest is shaped directly by the possibility that Iliman Ndiaye could leave this summer, with the Senegal international consistently linked with a move to Manchester United. Losing Ndiaye without replacing him would leave David Moyes dangerously short of attacking threat from wide areas, and March offers an experienced, versatile solution at zero transfer cost.

His peak came in 2022-23, when he finished with eight goals and ten assists in 39 appearances. The concern is straightforward: persistent knee injuries have severely limited his availability across each of the last three seasons, and betting on him to stay fit over a full campaign is a genuine risk that every interested club is weighing up carefully.

The case for taking that risk at a free transfer price is also straightforward. March can play across the entire attacking line and has demonstrated the quality to perform consistently at Premier League level when fit. He brings technical ability, experience and flexibility that Everton currently lack in attacking positions, and at no outlay the downside is managed.

What the competition looks like from the other interested clubs

Crystal Palace’s interest is most likely contingent on whether Evann Guessand’s loan from OGC Nice is not made permanent. If Palace secure Guessand, March becomes unnecessary for them and their pursuit fades. If that deal falls through, they become serious suitors.

Newcastle’s situation is different. Anthony Gordon is expected to push for an exit this summer, potentially to Bayern Munich, which would leave Eddie Howe needing wide reinforcements at relatively short notice. March as a short-term, no-fee solution while longer-term targets are pursued makes logical sense in that context. Fulham are the least likely to press ahead given they retain other flank options even after Samuel Chukwueze returns to AC Milan.

For Everton, the clarity of the need makes them one of the more natural destinations. Ndiaye staying or going will determine how urgently they move, but March’s profile, availability on a free and ability to operate across multiple positions give Moyes exactly the type of low-risk, potentially high-reward addition the budget demands.