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Everton leadership faces supporter backlash after transfer deadline day deal collapses

The collapse of a £40m move for Folarin Balogun and late squad departures have left manager David Moyes with just 18 senior outfield players.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 13:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Everton's summer transfer window concluded with the collapse of a £40m deal for AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun after medical issues and restructured terms led the player to walk away.
  • The failure to secure late attacking targets alongside departures left manager David Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players and one recognized striker.
  • Supporter groups have launched protests and petitions criticizing owner The Friedkin Group and chief executive Angus Kinnear over recruitment management.
  • Everton leadership faces growing scrutiny as the club manages squad depth concerns until the next transfer window opens.

Key facts

  • A proposed £40m transfer for striker Folarin Balogun collapsed early Wednesday after medical complications led Everton to renegotiate payment terms with AS Monaco, prompting Balogun to exit the club's training ground.[BBC News]
  • Everton pursued alternate deals for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa's Tammy Abraham, but neither move advanced.[BBC News]
  • The transfer window closed following the £15.5m departure of Beto to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye's £65m transfer to Manchester City, leaving Everton with Thierno Barry as the squad's only recognized senior striker.[BBC News]
  • Everton's board previously halted a proposed sale of 19-year-old academy player Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest following strong negative reactions from supporters.[BBC News]
  • Supporter organisation The 1878s announced a pause on stadium visual displays in protest of club management, while a fan petition called for chief executive Angus Kinnear's resignation.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Accounts differ regarding the breakdown in relations during Balogun's medical, with Monaco's sporting director stating the player felt uncomfortable with his treatment, while Everton maintains it acted supportively throughout.[BBC News]
  • The return timeline for newly signed midfielder Christian Norgaard remains unconfirmed due to an existing injury.[BBC News]

Sources