Everton’s attempt to acquire US international Folarin Balogun for £40 million fell through late on transfer deadline day, leaving manager David Moyes with only one forward option for the upcoming first half of the season.
The Premier League club had reached an agreement for Balogun, but complications arose during his medical examination, casting uncertainty over the transfer. This occurred after Everton had already parted ways with Beto, who joined Fiorentina, and Iliman Ndiaye, transferred to Manchester City. In a bid to bolster their striking options, the club explored loan opportunities for Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United and Tammy Abraham from Aston Villa, but both proposals were turned down.
In the final moments, the terms of the deal were restructured, with Monaco agreeing to accept a reduced upfront fee accompanied by additional payments based on performance. Everton submitted the necessary paperwork to finalize the transfer, but reports indicated that the 25-year-old ultimately opted against the move at the last minute. This disappointing outcome leaves Thierno Barry as Everton’s sole recognized striker, contributing to a chaotic conclusion to the transfer window for the club’s management, which had also faced criticism for attempting to transfer Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.
Additionally, Everton encountered difficulties in their pursuit of right-back Kenny Tete from Fulham. A £9 million agreement had been reached for the player, but Fulham was unable to secure their desired replacement, Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano. Eventually, Everton concluded their extensive search for a right-back by signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a former Arsenal player, from Lyon for approximately £4.2 million. The 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
The club generated funds through the sales of Ndiaye to City for £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, Beto to Fiorentina for £15.5 million, Tim Iroegbunam to Hull for an initial £15 million, and Nathan Patterson to Torino for an undisclosed sum.
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish has returned to Hill Dickinson Stadium on another season-long loan from Manchester City. The 30-year-old previously enjoyed a fruitful loan period in 2025-26 before a fractured foot cut his season short in February.
Grealish, whose contract with City expires next summer, could make his second debut for Everton against Manchester United this Sunday. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m so happy. I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me, and especially what the fans have given me. Every time I see an Everton fan, it’s just pure love.”
He added, “It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy. I had a perfect time here for the first six months, then I stayed around after I got injured. I’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started. Now I feel ready to go.”
