Everton transfer activity: Folarin Balogun deal collapses, Jack Grealish returns on loan

Everton's move for Folarin Balogun collapsed after the striker changed his mind over the move following a medical at the club's Finch Farm training base.

Issues with the medical meant Everton and Monaco renegotiated the initial £40m deal for the 25-year-old striker.

The United States international and both clubs signed a deal sheet before the transfer window closed at 23:00 BST only for Balogun to have a change of heart and walk away.

Balogun had emerged as a late target after Guinea-Bissau frontman Beto completed a permanent switch to Serie A club Fiorentina.

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

Also on transfer deadline day, Everton signed Jack Grealish on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City.

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

The 30-year-old had been linked with other teams - including boyhood club Aston Villa - but has 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."

Grealish, who joined City from Villa for £100m in August 2021, scored twice and provided six assists in 20 appearances during his previous spell with Everton - winning the Premier League Player of the Month for August.

The England international returned from injury during Manchester City's Community Shield defeat against Arsenal on 16 August.