Everton's £40m deadline-day move for US international striker Folarin Balogun collapsed at the last moment when the 25-year-old walked away, leaving manager David Moyes with only Thierno Barry as a recognised forward for the start of the season. The breakdown capped a chaotic close to the transfer window for the Merseyside club, who had already sold strikers Beto and Iliman Ndiaye to raise funds before the deal fell through, and follows failed loan enquiries for alternatives Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham.

Everton had renegotiated the Balogun deal's structure with Monaco, lowering the upfront fee in favour of add-ons, and submitted a deal sheet in time, but the player reportedly had a change of heart after medical issues had already cast doubt on the move. The club did complete other business, signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for around £4.2m after a proposed £9m deal for Fulham's Kenny Tete collapsed, while funds were raised through sales including Ndiaye to Manchester City (£60m plus £5m add-ons), Beto to Fiorentina (£15.5m), Tim Iroegbunam to Hull (£15m initial) and Nathan Patterson to Torino. Jack Grealish also rejoined on a season-long loan from Manchester City, having impressed before a foot injury ended his 2025-26 loan spell early.