Folarin Balogun's Everton Transfer Collapses After Medical

Everton's proposed move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapsed after the United States international underwent a medical and then decided not to complete the transfer. BBC Sport reported that Balogun had been at Everton's Finch Farm training base before walking away from the move.

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According to the BBC, Everton and Monaco initially worked on a £40m deal for the 25-year-old. Issues arising from the medical led the clubs to renegotiate those terms, and Balogun, Everton and Monaco then signed a deal sheet before the transfer window closed at 23:00 BST. The forward subsequently changed his mind, leaving the transfer incomplete.

Balogun had emerged as a late option for Everton after Guinea-Bissau striker Beto completed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina. The BBC also reported that Everton explored moves for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham, but the club was unable to persuade either player to join.

Everton did complete a season-long loan for Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The 30-year-old had spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Everton, making 20 appearances before a foot injury in January ended his season. He scored twice and supplied six assists during that spell, and was named Premier League Player of the Month for August.

Grealish returned from injury in Manchester City's Community Shield defeat by Arsenal on 16 August. He also played under Enzo Maresca in City's opening Premier League match of the 2026-27 season, a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. On returning to Everton, Grealish said the support he had received from manager David Moyes, his team-mates and the club's fans was important to him.

Everton also signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon. The 29-year-old, who has five England caps, can play at full-back or in midfield. Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson moved in the other direction out of the club, completing a permanent transfer to Torino after making 68 appearances for Everton in all competitions since joining from Rangers in January 2022. Those completed deals stood in contrast to the late collapse of the Balogun move.