RismadarVoice Reporters
September 2, 2026
Everton’s proposed transfer for United States striker Folarin Balogun has collapsed after the forward decided not to proceed with the move from French club AS Monaco.
The Premier League side had initially reached an agreement with Monaco over a £40 million deal for the 25-year-old striker, but the transfer was later renegotiated following concerns relating to his medical assessment.
Balogun, however, is understood to have chosen not to continue with the move, bringing an end to Everton’s late attempt to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer deadline.
Everton had submitted the required deal sheet before the 23:00 BST deadline in an effort to complete the transfer, allowing additional time for the paperwork to be finalised.
The Toffees identified Balogun as a target after Guinea-Bissau forward Beto completed a permanent move to Italian Serie A club Fiorentina. The club also explored possible deals for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham, but were unable to secure either player.
Despite the failed Balogun deal, Everton completed other transfer business on deadline day, including the return of England international Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City.
Grealish previously spent the 2025-26 season at Everton, making 20 appearances before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January. The 30-year-old chose to reunite with manager David Moyes at Goodison Park after interest from other clubs, including his former side Aston Villa.
Speaking after the move, Grealish said he was motivated by the support he received from Everton supporters and the relationship he developed with the club during his previous spell.
The midfielder joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100 million in August 2021 and recorded two goals and six assists during his loan spell at Everton last season.
Everton also confirmed the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French club Lyon. The former Arsenal player, who has five England caps, can operate as either a full-back or a midfielder.
Meanwhile, Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson completed a permanent transfer to Italian side Torino. Patterson joined Everton from Rangers in January 2022 and made 68 appearances for the club across all competitions.
