Everton’s move for Folarin Balogun collapsed after the striker changed his mind about joining the club following a medical at their Finch Farm training base.

Issues identified during the medical led Everton and Monaco to renegotiate the initial £40m deal for the 25-year-old striker.

The United States international and both clubs had signed a deal sheet before the 23:00 BST transfer deadline, but Balogun subsequently had a change of heart and walked away from the move.

Balogun had emerged as a late target for Everton after Guinea-Bissau striker Beto completed a permanent transfer to Serie A club Fiorentina.

The Toffees also explored moves for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham, but were unable to convince either player to join.

Everton did complete the signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day.

Grealish returns to Merseyside

Grealish spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Everton, making 20 appearances before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January.

The 30-year-old had attracted interest from several clubs, including boyhood club Aston Villa, but opted to reunite with David Moyes on Merseyside.

“I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my team-mates have given me and especially what the fans have given me,” Grealish said.

“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.”

Everton also completed the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French side Lyon.

The 29-year-old former Arsenal player has won five England caps and can operate at full-back or in midfield.