Everton saw a late transfer deadline day offer for striker Joshua Zirkzee rejected by Manchester United. The bid was submitted before Tuesday's 11pm BST deadline but was swiftly turned down by the Old Trafford club, as reported by The Athletic.
Everton currently sit seventh in the Premier League with four points from their opening two matches, having scored three goals and conceded just one. They are two points behind early leaders Manchester City. Their next fixture is a home match against Manchester United on September 6th, a side currently tenth in the table.
Why did Everton target Joshua Zirkzee?
Everton's pursuit of Zirkzee came amid uncertainty over a separate deal for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun. The club had previously agreed terms to sign the 25-year-old American international for a fee sources said was worth around £40 million. However, Everton sought to renegotiate that agreement to a lower fixed fee with higher performance-related bonuses, casting doubt on the transfer's completion. Monaco sources stated their agreed deal was €45 million plus €5 million in potential add-ons.
With only Thierno Barry as a recognised senior number nine in the squad following Beto's sale to Fiorentina, securing a striker became a pressing need. Zirkzee, also 25, has not featured for Manchester United this season and was made available for transfer at the window's opening. He has scored nine goals in 75 appearances for the club.
What was the competition for Zirkzee's signature?
Zirkzee attracted significant loan interest from Serie A during the window. Fiorentina, who had just signed Beto from Everton, presented a strong loan proposal which the player rejected. Juventus also showed interest but ultimately chose to sign Nick Woltemade instead. Napoli were considering an approach but did not formalise an offer, leaving Zirkzee set to remain at Manchester United for now.
The Athletic reported that "Everton had made a late bid, with Zirkzee keen on a move to Merseyside." His availability and the club's urgent need aligned on deadline day, but Manchester United's refusal ended the prospect.
What is the status of the Folarin Balogun deal?
Balogun's proposed move from Monaco has become uncertain. The striker, whose contract expires in the summer of 2028, impressed at the World Cup by scoring three goals in four games. He recently received a one-game ban after being sent off in a match for the United States against Bosnia & Herzegovina. That suspension was later put on hold by FIFA following an intervention from President Donald Trump, who called FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Everton's attempt to restructure the financial terms of the Balogun deal created the opening that led to the Zirkzee bid. The club's transfer strategy appears focused on adding firepower to support their positive early-season form, which you can track on our standings page.
Where does this leave Everton's squad?
The failed moves leave Sean Dyche with a shortage of established centre-forwards as the season progresses. Thierno Barry is the only dedicated number nine currently available, placing increased importance on contributions from wide attackers and midfielders. The club's solid defensive start, conceding just once, provides a platform, but adding goals remains a clear objective.
Everton's immediate focus shifts to preparing for the visit of Manchester United on September 6th. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. The match pits a team that rejected their striker bid against a side still searching for more offensive options after a busy deadline day.
