Everton’s fastest player could soon lose his crown after £35m Baris Alper Yilmaz approach
Baris Alper Yilmaz could soon lead the speed rankings at Everton.
The Toffees have revived their interest in the 26-year-old Galatasaray winger as David Moyes looks to strengthen his attack.
Goodison News has covered reports that Everton have sent officials to seal a £35million transfer for the forward.
The response to that offer remains to be seen, but if they could bring him in, it would bring a new element to Moyes' team.
Yilmaz is known for his blistering pace, and that will only be a bonus for the Blues.
It could leave one fellow new signing frustrated, though.
Who was Everton's fastest player in the 2025-26 campaign?
Merlin Rohl was the Toffees' fastest player last season.
The German midfielder was on loan, but he has now linked up with the Merseysiders in an £18m permanent deal that was part of the agreement.
The 24-year-old clocked an average top speed of 22.30mph in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
However, Yilmaz was faster, with an average top speed of 22.49mph, per data from Sofascore.
That means that Rohl could lose his crown very soon, if the club can agree a deal for the Turkish ace.
Why Everton fans would love Yilmaz signing
Everton fans have been crying out for the recruitment team to add pace to the attack.
The 38-cap Turkey international would give them the required speed to cause a real threat to top-flight defences in England.
The likes of Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye, Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George do not possess the level of speed that the transfer target does.
The Senegal international was the fastest option on the flanks, with an average of 21.87mph.
Grealish and George notched averages of 21.68mph and 21.37mph respectively, while Dibling was even lower with and 20.07mph.
Yilmaz is not just a pace merchant either as he notched 12 goals and 16 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions last season, so he knows what to do with the ball once has has got past the defender.
He could be a breath of fresh air, if he is brought to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the next few weeks, if he can adapt to the physicality of the game over here.