Everton’s move to sign Folarin Balogun from Monaco collapsed dramatically on transfer deadline day after the striker changed his mind and decided against joining the Premier League club.
The 25-year-old United States international underwent a medical at Everton’s Finch Farm training base, but issues raised during the assessment led the two clubs to renegotiate the original £40m agreement.
Despite Everton and Monaco completing a deal sheet before the 23:00 BST transfer deadline, Balogun subsequently had a change of heart and walked away from the proposed transfer.
Balogun had emerged as Everton’s late attacking target after Guinea-Bissau striker Beto completed a permanent move to Serie A side Fiorentina.
The Toffees also explored potential deals for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham, but were unable to persuade either player to make the move to Merseyside.
Grealish returns to Everton
Everton did, however, complete a major deadline-day signing by bringing Jack Grealish back to the club on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Grealish spent the 2025-26 campaign at Everton and made 20 appearances before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January.
The 30-year-old had attracted interest from several clubs, including his boyhood side Aston Villa, but ultimately chose to reunite with Everton manager David Moyes.
Grealish enjoyed an impressive spell during his previous loan, scoring twice and providing six assists in 20 appearances. He was also named Premier League Player of the Month for August.
Speaking about his decision to return, Grealish said the relationship he developed with Everton’s supporters played a major role.
“I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved.”
He added that the reception he received from Everton fans had made a lasting impression.
Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100m in August 2021. After recovering from his foot injury, he returned to action in City’s Community Shield defeat by Arsenal on 16 August and also featured in their opening Premier League match of the 2026-27 season, a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.
For Everton, the failed Balogun deal represents a frustrating end to their search for another striker, although the return of Grealish provides David Moyes with an attacking boost ahead of the new campaign.
