Moyes lives with disappointment after deadline day

WHAT HAPPENED
Everton failed to complete several late transfer targets on deadline day, with a proposed move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapsing after the player withdrew following a medical at the club’s Finch Farm training base. The club did, however, bring in Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City and signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for £3m.

The Toffees also saw key forward Iliman Ndiaye leave for Manchester City in a deal worth £65m, and they had explored moves for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham but were unable to persuade either player to join. A planned signing of defender Kenny Tete did not happen because Fulham could not find a suitable replacement.

KEY CONTEXT
- Balogun emerged as a late target after Everton’s previous forward option, Beto, had completed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina.
- Everton and Monaco had agreed initial terms valuing the Balogun move at £40m, but the clubs renegotiated that agreement after issues arose during the medical. Both clubs signed a deal sheet before the 23:00 BST deadline to allow extra time to finish the transfer.
- Manager David Moyes acknowledged disappointment at not getting more business done and said the club must accept setbacks and move on.
- Iliman Ndiaye’s contribution to Everton before his sale was 15 goals and four assists in 67 Premier League appearances.

WHY IT MATTERS
Everton leave the window with clear turnover: a high-value departure in Ndiaye and limited incoming reinforcements beyond Grealish and Maitland-Niles. The collapse of the Balogun move and the inability to add other forward or defensive targets mean Moyes must adjust his squad options with fewer of the signings he wanted. The club’s statement that medical issues played a role and the renegotiation of terms underline how late-window complications can derail transfer plans.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- How Moyes integrates Grealish and Maitland-Niles into the squad and whether they offset the loss of Ndiaye.
- Any further clarification from Everton or Monaco about the precise reasons Balogun withdrew after the medical — the club framed it as a medical issue and a change of heart by the player.
- Whether Everton will pursue other reinforcements outside the transfer window or rely on current squad members for the immediate fixtures.

KEY FACTS
- Everton’s proposed signing of Folarin Balogun collapsed after the player withdrew following a medical at Finch Farm.
- The Balogun deal had been initially agreed at £40m before being renegotiated due to medical concerns; a deal sheet was signed before the 23:00 BST deadline.
- Iliman Ndiaye joined Manchester City for £65m; he had 15 goals and four assists in 67 Premier League appearances for Everton.
- Everton signed Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City and Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for £3m.
- Moves for Joshua Zirkzee, Tammy Abraham and Kenny Tete did not materialise.

Source: BBC Sport Football