Everton made a last-minute attempt to sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on deadline day. The Toffees submitted a bid for a loan move to bring the forward to Goodison Park, but the effort was unsuccessful as Zirkzee will stay with United until at least January.
According to a report from Daily Mirror Football, Everton's pursuit of the Dutch forward was a late dash in the final hours of the summer window. Zirkzee has not featured for Manchester United this season, remaining an unused substitute in matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town. The news comes as Everton prepare for their next Premier League fixture, a home match against Manchester United on September 6th, with the Toffees currently sitting 7th in the table.
What was Everton's transfer strategy?
Everton's move for Zirkzee highlights a continued search for attacking options. The club has also been linked with a move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, though that potential deal is now in significant doubt following the window's closure. Manager Michael Carrick addressed the club's transfer activity after United's 5-2 victory over Ipswich, offering a measured view of the situation.
Carrick said, "It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left." He expressed general satisfaction with the club's business, stating, "I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with."
How does the squad look now?
With the transfer window closed, Everton's focus shifts entirely to the players already at Goodison Park. The team has started the 2026-27 Premier League season solidly, earning four points from their first two matches. Their record shows one win, one draw, and no losses, placing them seventh and just two points behind early leaders Manchester City. You can track their progress on the official standings page.
Everton have scored three goals and conceded only one, giving them a positive goal difference of +2. This defensive solidity will be tested in their upcoming match against Manchester United, who currently sit 10th in the table. The full schedule for the season is available on our fixtures list.
What did Michael Carrick say about the window?
Carrick's comments provide insight into the club's approach as the deadline passed. He pointed to the return of Marcus Rashford as a significant boost, effectively treating it like a new signing for the squad. While acknowledging the club remained open to opportunities, he indicated contentment with the current group.
The manager did not completely rule out future activity, but framed the current squad as competitive. His remarks suggest confidence in the players available to him as Everton aims to build on their promising start. Fans can review the complete player roster on the club's squad page.
What's next for Everton?
Attention now turns to the pitch and the continuation of the Premier League campaign. The immediate challenge is a home fixture against Manchester United, the very club that retained Joshua Zirkzee. This match presents an early opportunity for Everton to measure themselves against a traditional rival and maintain their positive early-season form.
The game at Goodison Park is scheduled for Sunday, September 6th, 2026.
