Everton's transfer window has been labelled a shambles after a late deal for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun collapsed, leaving the squad critically short of firepower. The Daily Mirror Football reported this week that manager David Moyes now has only one recognised central striker available, a situation that threatens to undermine their promising start to the Premier League season, where they sit 7th with four points from two games.
Why did the Balogun deal collapse?
The failure to sign Folarin Balogun on deadline day capped a chaotic summer for the club's recruitment team. This setback came after Everton sold their best player, Iliman Ndiaye, to Manchester City for £65million despite the forward having three years left on his contract. The club's attacking options were already thin, having scored just 47 Premier League goals last term, a tally better than only five other sides. The sale of Beto, who netted nine league goals, to Fiorentina further depleted their ranks, making the pursuit of a new striker essential.
What other business backfired?
Everton's window was marked by several missteps. An attempt to sell 19-year-old academy product Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest for £35million was called off after supporters threatened a mutiny against the board. Meanwhile, the return of Jack Grealish to the club's Hill Dickinson training ground on August 28 sparked speculation of a romantic reunion. The Manchester City winger, whose Etihad contract expires next summer, had not featured in his club's squad that day and has consistently spoken fondly of his time at Everton, even keeping the club on a social media profile. No move materialised, however.
How does the squad look now?
David Moyes is left with a squad smaller than when the window opened and just one senior striker in Thierno Barry. Barry scored eight goals in 41 appearances last season and found the net against Preston's reserves in pre-season, but relying on him as the sole focal point is a major gamble. The club's current squad page reflects this glaring shortage. Director of Football Angus Kinnear had outlined ambitions for a European challenge, stating, "Everybody is thinking about how we mount a challenge for Europe and don’t fade in the last critical matches." The current roster makes that goal look distant.
What is the context for the new season?
Everton begin the 2026/27 campaign in decent form, with a draw and a win from their opening two matches placing them 7th in the standings. They have scored three goals and conceded just one, giving them a positive goal difference of two. They are only two points behind early leaders Manchester City, showing the potential in the group. The immediate test of their thin squad comes next, with a home fixture against Manchester United scheduled for September 6. United currently sit 10th, making it a key early-season clash at Goodison Park. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The team hosts Manchester United at Goodison Park on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
