Everton’s proposed £40m transfer for United States forward Folarin Balogun fell through in the closing stages of deadline day, leaving manager David Moyes with just one recognised striker for the first half of the campaign.
The Merseyside club had reached a £40m agreement for Balogun, but concerns arising from his medical put the move at risk. The situation came after Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City. The club also approached Manchester United about Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa about Tammy Abraham, although loan requests for both players were turned down.
The terms were adjusted late in the process, with Monaco accepting a smaller initial fee and a larger amount in performance-related add-ons. Everton filed the necessary paperwork in an attempt to complete the move before the deadline, but the 25-year-old reportedly reconsidered and withdrew at the last moment. The failed transfer leaves Thierno Barry as the squad’s only established striker and brought a chaotic conclusion to the window for club officials, who were already facing criticism after attempting to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.
Everton also encountered difficulties while pursuing Fulham right-back Kenny Tete. Although a £9m fee had been settled, Fulham could not secure their preferred replacement, Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu. Everton eventually ended their lengthy search for a right-back by recruiting former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for approximately £4.2m. The 29-year-old signed a three-year contract.
The club generated funds by selling Ndiaye to City for £60m plus £5m in potential bonuses, Beto to Fiorentina for £15.5m, Tim Iroegbunam to Hull for an initial £15m and Nathan Patterson to Torino for an undisclosed sum.
Grealish is returning to Hill Dickinson Stadium on another season-long loan from City. The 30-year-old impressed during his temporary spell in the 2025-26 campaign before a fractured foot brought his season to an early end in February.
With his City contract due to expire when the latest loan finishes next summer, Grealish may make his second Everton debut against Manchester United on Sunday. He said: “I’m delighted to be back. I believe I perform at my highest level, both in football and in life, when I feel appreciated. The manager and my teammates have made me feel that way, and the supporters have done so most of all. Whenever I meet an Everton fan, they show me nothing but affection.
“That support means so much, and I hope my return has pleased some Everton fans. My first six months here were fantastic, and I remained with the group after suffering the injury. I followed every pre-season match and have continued watching since the campaign began. I now feel fully prepared to play.”
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