Transfer Deadline Day Drama: Why Folarin Balogun’s Move To Everton Collapsed

Everton’s proposed transfer for United States international striker Folarin Balogun has collapsed after the player reportedly changed his mind and decided against completing the move following his medical at the club’s Finch Farm training ground.

Everton had reached an agreement with Monaco over an initial £40 million deal for the 25-year-old striker. However, concerns reportedly identified during Balogun’s medical led the two clubs to reopen negotiations over the terms of the transfer.

Although Everton and Monaco completed a deal sheet before the 11 p.m. transfer deadline, Balogun subsequently reconsidered the move and chose not to proceed with a transfer to Merseyside.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Balogun had become a late target for Everton after Beto completed a permanent move to Serie A side Fiorentina. The club also considered approaches for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham, but neither deal materialised.

Despite missing out on Balogun, Everton secured the return of Jack Grealish from Manchester City on a season-long loan on deadline day.

Grealish previously spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Everton, making 20 appearances before a foot injury brought his season to an early end in January.

The 30-year-old attracted interest from a number of clubs, including boyhood team Aston Villa, but ultimately chose to reunite with Everton manager David Moyes.

Grealish said his decision was influenced by the reception he received from the manager, his teammates and Everton supporters during his previous spell at the club.

“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,” he said.

Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100 million in August 2021. During his previous loan spell at Everton, he scored twice and registered six assists in 20 appearances and was named Premier League Player of the Month for August.

The England international returned from injury during Manchester City’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on August 16. He also featured under manager Enzo Maresca in City’s opening Premier League match of the 2026-27 season, contributing to their 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Everton also completed the signing of former Arsenal utility player Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French club Lyon.

The 29-year-old England international, who has earned five senior caps, can operate at both full-back and midfield, providing Moyes with another versatile option.

Meanwhile, Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson has completed a permanent transfer from Everton to Serie A club Torino.

Patterson joined Everton from Rangers in January 2022 and made 68 appearances across all competitions during his time at Goodison Park.