Everton's search for a striker stalls as Folarin Balogun walks away

Everton have been left with a glaring shortage up front after Beto departed for Fiorentina on deadline day, leaving David Moyes with only Thierno Barry as a senior striker. A deal for United States forward Folarin Balogun seemed set to fill the void, but the 25‑year‑old walked away, ending a transfer worth between 40 million and 50 million pounds.

Everton’s urgency grew when the club also sold Iliman Ndiaye to the FA Cup winners for £60m and re‑signed Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, yet the forward line remained thin. An attempt to secure Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on a season‑long loan was rejected, confirming Thierno Barry as the sole striker on the roster.

Deal collapse and medical issue

Everton had reached an agreement with Monaco for Balogun, but a medical scan raised concerns and the club sought to renegotiate the terms. The Toffees submitted a dealsheet to the Premier League to gain extra time after the window closed, but Balogun decided not to proceed and left Finch Farm training ground without signing.

Everton’s collapsed £40m Balogun deal coincided with Chelsea’s £47m pursuit of Lamine Camara and followed Everton’s £60m purchase of Iliman Ndiaye. Chelsea’s £125m signing of Enzo Fernandez dwarfed the reported £50m ceiling for Balogun’s move.

Market moves and rival bids

Monaco, forced to sell on deadline day, saw the Balogun collapse without reviving Chelsea’s interest in Camara. Everton also ended a long search for a right‑back by signing Ainsley Maitland‑Niles from Lyon for around £4.2m on a three‑year contract, making him the seventh summer signing.

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With the Balogun deal off, Everton now face limited striking options and will need to explore further targets before the new season begins, while the club’s transfer strategy remains in flux.