Everton made huge loan offer for Joshua Zirkzee
September 3, 2026 01:33
Everton submitted a last-day loan proposal worth £10m to Manchester United for striker Joshua Zirkzee, but United refused the approach. The offer came on transfer deadline day after Everton moved to replace the outgoing Iliman Ndiaye, who was sold to Manchester City earlier the same day.
Earlier attempts to recruit a forward also faltered: Everton had targeted Folarin Balogun from Monaco and the striker even underwent a medical with the Merseyside club, but that transfer collapsed over a disagreement about agent commission and Balogun returned to Monaco. Reports say Zirkzee was willing to join Everton for more regular minutes, but Manchester United consider him important backup and did not want to sanction a late departure; he may have to wait until January for a move.
KEY CONTEXT
- The activity took place on transfer deadline day of the 2026 summer window (window closed September 1, 2026).
- Everton lost Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City and were seeking a replacement striker.
- A proposed move for Monaco’s Folarin Balogun broke down because Everton were unwilling to meet the requested agent commission.
- Manchester United regard Joshua Zirkzee as a potential backup striker and opted to keep him rather than allow a deadline-day loan.
WHY IT MATTERS
Everton exit the window with limited specialist striking options after selling Ndiaye and following Beto’s departure, leaving Thierno Barry as the only recognised centre-forward on the books. Failing to secure Balogun or loan Zirkzee reduces immediate attacking depth and leaves the club reliant on a thin group of strikers. For Zirkzee, United’s decision to retain him affects his prospects for regular playing time this season and likely delays any move until the winter window.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester United will permit Zirkzee to leave in January if he seeks more minutes.
- If Everton return to the market in January to reinforce the striker position.
- Any short-term solutions Everton might employ to cope with a reduced pool of specialist forwards.
KEY FACTS
- Everton sold Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City on transfer deadline day.
- A potential deal for Folarin Balogun collapsed after Everton declined to pay the agent commission; Balogun returned to Monaco.
- Everton lodged a £10m loan bid for Joshua Zirkzee, which Manchester United rejected.
- Manchester United view Zirkzee as a backup option and opted to keep him with limited time left to find a replacement.
- After Beto’s exit, Thierno Barry is the only specialist striker remaining at Everton.