Everton manager David Moyes has stated he has "to live with disappointments" after the club's transfer deadline day activities, admitting he had hoped to complete more deals. A significant move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun fell through after the 25-year-old reportedly changed his mind following a medical examination at the club's Finch Farm training base.
Moyes confirmed that issues with Balogun's medical led to a renegotiation of the initial £40m agreement with Monaco. Despite both clubs signing a deal sheet to allow extra time, Balogun ultimately decided against the transfer. Moyes clarified that the player's medical problem was the sole reason for the collapse, stating, "It wasn't anyone's fault and ultimately it happens in football as the player had a problem in his medical and that was simply it."
The Toffees did secure Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City and brought in right-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for £3m. However, they also saw star attacker Iliman Ndiaye depart for Manchester City in a deal valued at £65m. Moyes indicated that part of selling Ndiaye, who had 15 goals and four assists in 67 Premier League games for Everton, was to generate funds for new signings.
Everton also explored deals for Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United and Tammy Abraham from Aston Villa but were unable to convince either player to join. A move for defender Kenny Tete also failed as Fulham could not find a suitable replacement.