Everton's planned £40m transfer for striker Folarin Balogun collapsed on deadline day after the player decided against proceeding with the move. The deal, which had been renegotiated following an issue with his medical, fell through just before the 23:00 BST deadline, as reported by BBC Sport. This leaves manager David Moyes with a reshaped but not reinforced forward line as his side sits 7th in the Premier League with four points from two games.
Everton had submitted a deal sheet to try and finalise the transfer of the 25-year-old United States international from Monaco. Balogun had emerged as a late target after Beto completed a permanent move to Fiorentina. The club had also explored moves for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa's Tammy Abraham but could not convince either to join. The failure to land a new striker means the attacking burden will fall on existing options and returning loanee Jack Grealish.
Who did Everton sign instead?
With the Balogun deal off, Everton confirmed the season-long loan return of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The 30-year-old winger, who spent the 2025-26 campaign on Merseyside, reunites with David Moyes after being linked with a move to Aston Villa. Grealish scored twice and provided six assists in 20 appearances last season before a foot injury ended his campaign in January. He has since returned to fitness, featuring for City in the Community Shield and their opening Premier League win over Bournemouth.
Grealish spoke warmly of his previous time at Goodison Park. "I think I'm at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved," Grealish said. "That's what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me." He added, "Every time I see an Everton fan, it's just pure love and the way they've welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I'll never forget that."
What other business did Everton complete?
Everton also secured the signing of utility player Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon. The 29-year-old former Arsenal player, who has five England caps, can operate as a full-back or in midfield, offering valuable versatility. In terms of outgoings, right-back Nathan Patterson completed a permanent transfer to Torino. The 24-year-old Scot, who joined from Rangers in January 2022, made 68 appearances for the Toffees. These moves continue the squad restructuring under Moyes as the team prepares for its next challenge.
Where does the squad stand now?
The deadline day drama leaves Everton with a mixed transfer window outcome. The attack was not strengthened as intended, but the midfield and wide areas gained proven Premier League quality in Grealish and Maitland-Niles. The team's early season form has been solid, with a win and a draw placing them 7th, just two points behind leaders Manchester City. They have scored three goals and conceded only one, giving them a positive goal difference ahead of a significant test. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
What is the immediate focus for Everton?
Attention now turns fully to the pitch. Everton's next fixture is a home match against Manchester United on 6 September. United are currently 10th in the table, setting up a compelling early-season clash at Goodison Park. The match will be a first opportunity for the returning Grealish to make an impact this season in front of the supporters he praised so highly. The full squad details and availability can be followed on our squad page as Moyes finalises his plans for that encounter.
