Everton have been left facing a major squad problem after their proposed £40 million transfer for Folarin Balogun dramatically collapsed on deadline day.
The Monaco striker had travelled to England and was expected to complete the move after Everton reached an agreement with the French club. However, complications emerged during the process, including concerns surrounding the player’s medical and subsequent discussions over the transfer fee.
Everton attempted to renegotiate the agreement before the situation became increasingly complicated. Balogun eventually decided against proceeding with the move, leaving Everton without the striker they had identified to strengthen their attack.
The development is particularly damaging because Everton had already allowed several forwards to leave during the summer. The club sold Beto to Fiorentina, while Iliman Ndiaye completed a major move to Manchester City.
That leaves manager David Moyes with Thierno Barry as the club’s only recognised senior striker for the first part of the campaign.
The situation has naturally raised questions about Everton’s transfer planning. The club had money available after several major player sales, but the failure to complete Balogun’s signing means those resources have not translated into the attacking reinforcement Moyes wanted.
Everton now face the difficult task of managing their attacking options until the next transfer window.
For supporters, the collapse is particularly frustrating because the club appeared so close to completing the deal before everything fell apart.