Balogun leaves Everton after a medical reversal

Folarin Balogun's transfer to Everton turned into a fiasco after the Nigerian-American striker changed his mind following a medical examination at the Finch Farm training center. Medical issues prompted both clubs to renegotiate the initial £40 million fee for the 25-year-old player. Everton and Monaco had, however, reached an agreement before the transfer deadline at 11 PM (BST), before Balogun reversed his decision.

  Balogun had become a priority target after the permanent departure of Beto, Guinea-Bissau's striker, to Fiorentina in Serie A. Everton had also targeted Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) and Tammy Abraham (Aston Villa), but failed to convince either to join the club. Meanwhile, the Toffees finalized the arrival of Jack Grealish, loaned for a season by Manchester City.

Grealish returns to Everton colors

Grealish, loaned during the 2025-26 season, had played 20 matches before suffering a foot injury in January, ending his season. The 30-year-old midfielder, linked with several clubs including Aston Villa, chose to reunite with David Moyes at Liverpool. "I think I perform at my best in all aspects of life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me, and most of all, what the supporters have given me," he said. Grealish, signed by City from Aston Villa for £100 million in August 2021, had scored two goals and provided six assists in 20 matches during his previous stint at Everton, even winning the Premier League Player of the Month award in August. Returning from injury, he featured in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal on August 16, then started the 2026-27 season under Enzo Maresca in the 2-1 win against Bournemouth.

Other Everton moves

The Toffees also confirmed the arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, from Olympique Lyonnais. The English full-back or midfielder, 29, with five caps for England, strengthens the Merseyside side's squad. Meanwhile, Scottish defender Nathan Patterson left Everton for Torino in Serie A. The 24-year-old, signed from Rangers in January 2022, made 68 appearances in the blue shirt.