Balogun move collapses after USA star fails medical

Michael Bennet
1 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:36:20

Balogun failed medical just now..

Jack Convery
2 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:40:14

Everton's £42.8m move for AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun is on the verge of collapse, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Toffees agreed a deal with the Ligue 1 side on Monday night, with personal terms agreed with the American striker ahead of his return to the Premier League before the transfer window closes at 11pm.

But it has now emerged that a deal may not progress after all after the player underwent a medical, and the player could now return to the Principality club for the 2026-27 season.

Maybe he caught something when he kissed Trump's arse.

Mike Powell
3 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:41:27

Just seen that Balogun as failed his medical

Stephen Meighan
4 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:43:04

Absolute joke of a club.

Just fold, ye bastards.

Paul Hewitt
5 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:43:28

Bugger.

Kieran Kinsella
6 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:44:08

If it was New Years Eve and your hosting a big party, would you wait until 11pm before going to see if Tesco's was open and had any drinks left? Probably not.

Yet we constantly wait until the 11th to try and “quickly” arrange multi million pound deals involving Medicals contracts under different nations laws and work permits.

Mike Powell
7 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:44:57

Balogun failed his medical

That leaves us with one centre-forward, for fuck's sake!

Phil Roberts
8 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:46:45

Just typical of this club. They knew he was going to fail his medical but they still tried to sign him.

Why do we try to sign players who are going to fail the medical? Did we not perform a pre-medical medical or maybe even a pre-medical pre-medical medical so we are not let down by him failing his medical???

Billy Shears
9 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:47:09

Last minute scramble for a Striker then.

Only at Everton eh!?

Andrew Bentley
10 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:47:10

Here we go. Tempt us with something and then fails spectacularly and then end up with Richy at £50M even through his contract ends in 10 months as you can smell the desperation

Alan McGuffog
11 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:47:41

Dean Windass. Come on down !

James Newcombe
12 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:48:15

Something was always going to happen with this one. How bad can the medical actually be?!

Jimmy Carr
13 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:49:15

Good job we kept Micheal Keane, he's our new back-up striker.

Phil Malone Jnr
14 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:50:18

Thankyou transfer gods!!!
I fully expect the crack transfer team to pull this one out the bag with a dealsheet and say "Tah dah!!!" You're all welcome!!
We've paid nearly the same money we sold n'diaye for, for a STRIKER that scored 13 goals in 30 French ligue 1 games. He not only struggles with his first touch, but finishing isnt his strong suit. That's our man. Worst run club in the league.

Kieran Kinsella
15 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:50:40

James

His head fell off?

Ian Jones
16 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:50:46

Just asking how did the club know he'd fail the medical?

I imagine we'll be back in for Richarlison at an inflated price.

Mal van Schaick
17 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:51:08

Wtf. Richarlison back on then?

Billy Shears
18 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:51:22

Go get a young fit striker... from any fucking where!!!

Ray Jacques
19 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:53:27

I absolutely hate us, I really do

Steve Dowdeswell
20 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:54:19

Didn't we buy Nørgaard who clearly has an injury/fitness issue and is yet to play?

It's an absolute joke to leave this so late in the transfer window.

Down to one striker, no right-back, one left-back.

Olalekan Taofik
21 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:55:37

What's is the way out of this quagmire at this 11th hour?

Can we get Richarlison then?

Jim Bennings
22 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:55:44

Get these Americans and that Muppet Kinnear out of the club if this is the case.

If they seriously leave us with one striking option after this window closes, yet more criminal negligence...

Ian Jones
23 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:55:56

Calling Braiden Graham!!

His chance to step up...

Andy Meighan
24 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:57:20

Phil 8.

How did the club know he was going to fail a medical?

Why would they pursue the lad if they knew he was fucked???

Rocco Bugaj
25 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:58:41

As things stand, we've let 8 players go (including Ndiaye) and brought in 6 new ones. So, what are we still missing?

Oh right: a striker, a right-back, and a left-back. The situation feels familiar somehow...

Craig Burrell
26 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:58:47

Tyrique George, Brennan Johnson and (hopefully) Braidan Graham could all be given some game time up front to help us solve this.

Opportunity beckons for someone

Kevin Naylor
27 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:59:15

McNulty still reporting that the deal is still being worked on.

Ndiaye now confirmed to Man City.

Kevin Prytherch
28 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:59:21

Still being worked on apparently?

Could be a bargaining tool to get a few quid shaved off.

Michael Bennet
29 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:59:42

Half the cunts on here didn't want Richarlison... we overpaid etc etc, and Balogun was crap...

You got what you wished for.

David West
30 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:59:43

Now this is why you shouldn't leave it late.

Sky say Everton say it isn't dead yet, maybe a loan-to-buy deal.

Dave Lynch
31 Posted 01/09/2026 at 20:59:54

This is the danger of Everton's lastminute.com transfer policy.

Clubs know about players... they must've known he wasn't fit, so let's drag it out and shaft the fans... again.

Ian Bennett
32 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:00:15

Ndiaye, Beto, Patterson, Aznou done.

Absolutely text book by Everton. Will be a great five-a-side team.

Nick Page
33 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:00:27

Is Kenwright doing these deals?

Ian Wilkins
34 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:01:59

2 hours to go… Chris Wood incoming, £20m..? Zirkzee incoming £50M…

Anybody at all who can stand on two legs…

The Beto thing, why sign off on it if there is any doubt with Balogun? Who would do that?

Jerome Shields
35 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:02:32

Looks like Richarlison to the rescue.

Anthony O'Sullivan
36 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:02:46

It is mad to think we needed a striker, a right back and a left back. So we sold a striker, a right back and loaned away a left back.

Fantastic work.

This is why you get your transfer deals done early, so if someone fails a medical you have time to fix it.

David West
37 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:03:33

Needed rid of Beto anyway.

Keane offered more upfront, maybe we loan Balogun now with an option to buy.

Andy Meighan
38 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:03:39

Sky reporting its still on.

Fingers crossed.

Andrew Ellams
39 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:03:46

Joshua Zirkzee is the contingency plan.

We need to chase these charlatans out of the club ASAP!

Jimmy Carr
40 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:03:50

The highly professional, intensely competent, business focussed Americans just know how to get these things done...

Ian Wilkins
41 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:04:43

I guess we're now renegotiating because his injury means he can't play for a few months.

What a stupid position to be in having let Beto go…

Mick O\\\'Malley
42 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:05:23

Joshua Zirkzee could be the last minute saviour ffs, why leave everything til the last minute?

Graham Haines
43 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:05:49

Shambles every year, nothing changes regardless of ownership.

Surely Kinnear is finished -- he has lost any credibility he may have had in this window.

Christy Ring
44 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:06:10

Sky just reported now, Ndiaye complete move, and Everton say Balogan deal not over yet, even though now looking at Zirkzee, typical Everton

Shaun Parker
45 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:06:26

Was the deal ever on 🤷‍♂️
Funny isn’t it in that we signed Norguard who would have failed a medical if he was injured.
Same old Everton shit show.
Nothing changes.
We are left to run around looking for scraps on deadline day.
Fucking joke.

Nick Page
46 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:07:11

Zirkzee. Loool. Quick lads, check the book of players who we bid for and never came. Honestly this is the worst run football club in history.

Kevin Naylor
47 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:07:50

Z player for Z cars, very fitting.

Christy Ring
48 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:07:50

I think they're ringing Trump.

Dave Lynch
49 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:08:03

Don't fret...Mike Gaynes will be on shortly defending his fellow American charlatans, telling us how they are Making Everton Great Again (MEGA).

Ray Jacques
50 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:08:24

Where's Lukaku, he could just about run in the World Cup

Mihir Ambardekar
51 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:08:47

How does a transfer be called off?

We signed Norgaard with an injury. In the past, we signed Andre Gomes injured.

Paul Clements
52 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:09:46

Surely Beto shouldn't have been allowed to leave until everything was in place with Balogun, both signing at the same time after both medicals to prevent this.

In any walk of life, morons like our board would be sacked for total incompetence. I think this is the maddest I've been with this disaster of a club.

Ray Jacques
53 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:10:01

Zirkzee, the buffoon Kinnear must be on the last letter of the alphabet. Desperate.

Kunal Desai
54 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:10:25

Basket case of a club.

The moto Nil Satis Nisi Optimum should be removed for good.

Banter club.

Dale Self
55 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:14:42

Survived the Armstrong fiasco, move deadwood out, about had the squad more balanced despite the ridiculous interviews, and then this.

I would say they have received a lesson or two. Let's hope they learned from this episode.

Christy Ring
56 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:15:13

Alan Myers saying still working on deal, but enquired about Zirkzee, dodgy?

Danny Baily
57 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:16:48

Should have held fire on finalising the Beto deal. Could be in a really bad position in just over an hour's time.

Rocco Bugaj
58 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:17:42

For God's sake, not Zirkzee! Everyone at Bayern was glad when he left! He didn't impress in the Premier League either.
As for Balogun: According to his coach, he played with a "minor" injury during the World Cup. It still hasn't fully healed. So, Balogun really isn't at 100%.

Mark Doyle
59 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:18:00

This club is a joke.

Mick O\\\'Malley
60 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:19:18

Kunai agreed, instead of playing Grand old Team when the team walks on the oitch we could now play the theme tune from the Muppet show
Weve spent all day fucking around with this transfer and with less than 2 hours left we now have to decide whether to sign an injured player or hope we can get Zirkzee over the line in less than 2 hours, I'm sorry but this an embarrassment from our crack recruitment team, I was quite happy this morning but you can always rely on Everton to kick you in the goolies and let you down yet again,.also I cant imagine Dour.Dave will be to happy if we end up with no one

Andrew Merrick
61 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:19:40

Hard to believe this, last minute. com, Ace transfer business guys.

Tom Bowers
62 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:20:34

Only Everton could screw this up.

Only one striker now if Balogun deal is off.

Maybe we can get Zirkzee on loan.
He isn't that bad.

Nick Page
63 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:20:44

Everton must be the bossest football club in the World to come to injured. Must have fucking Thai “physios”

Mark Doyle
64 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:20:46

So we have sold Beto have one striker who I wouldn't call a striker. Sold two full backs without backup. And sold our best player by a country mile and spent 38.5 million on grealish 31 on loan for a year. Is this some kind of sick joke? I mean only everton. A newly promoted team would do better. This is laughable

Rocco Bugaj
65 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:22:20

We are not a joke of a club!
The club will always be bigger than incompetent staff or unmotivated mercenaries!
UTFT

Kevin Molloy
66 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:22:46

the Americans are absent and incompetent. this has been building for a year, ever since they appointed Kinnear. Kinnear had little to no top level experience, and was given the keys to the kingdom to remodel the whole club. He had been bumping along in the championship. And he appointed a bunch of no marks. this is blunder after blunder. they don't understand or particularly care about football. they re sports investors, with their eye firmly on the bottom line. the most important event for them today was to get Ndiaye done. And they did that. Job done. As long as we don't get relegated they don//t care where we finish.

Jay Harris
67 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:23:06

We probably haven’t got the money do are trying to get a loan to buy agreement.

TFG professional and ethical!!

I think not.

They are turning v us in to s laughing stock.

Olalekan Taofik
68 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:23:58

hopefully, good news still being expected regarding new striker(s) coming in.

David West
69 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:24:26

I mean if we sign him and he's a fucking season ticket holder on the treatment table it's the clubs fault.

If we don't sign him over serious fitness concerns, the clubs a joke.

Club can't win now ! How you going to get zirkzee medical done in 90mins ?

Take balogun on a loan to buy.

Andy Meighan
70 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:25:51

And still no specialised right back.

Oh dear Aberdeen Angus you really have made yourself look a right twat after them recent embarrassing interviews you gave.

This club suck the life out of you, absolute shit show. I hope this Balogun deal isn't dead in the water but let's face it its not looking good.

Nick Page
71 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:26:06

“Turning us into a laughing stock”

Absolutely love that

Rocco Bugaj
72 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:26:34

Zirkzee recorded 5 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League over two seasons (56 games). How is he supposed to help us? His stats are worse than those of Barry, Beto, Richarlison...

George Freeman
73 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:27:58

David, they would need to submit a deal sheet to get a two hour extension and the medical staff working late but they need Zirkzee's agreement first.

Bill Gall
74 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:29:29

At least we have 1 happy player in Barry he has no competition now for a striker

Ian Wilkins
75 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:29:45

You end up with one fragile forward ( Barry) and you’re really in the doo dah.
No competent people would end up in this position.
You can carry Norgaard for a while because we have other options, and maybe the price reflected the injury.
Maybe a revised deal here reflects the injury to Belogun, but we have one fit forward.
George, Johnson can’t cover this, Graham is miles off it.
Pure pantomime.
As said above this would not be accepted in any other business. There would be repercussions.

Rocco Bugaj
76 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:31:25

What do you want with Zirkzee? The kid doesn't score goals. I'd rather loan or buy someone else. Someone from the Championship, for all I care. But Zirkzee?! Seriously?!

James Marshall
77 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:33:14

I don't understand all the posts blaming the club for Balogun being injured - sorry but how is that Everton's fault?

Am I missing something?

Maik Gains
78 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:33:52

Everyone, please be calm. They're American; they know what they're doing.

Christy Ring
79 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:34:00

Didn't we sign Norgaard and he's still injured, a total joke from top to bottom.

Ged Simpson
80 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:34:02

Hard to care now.

Pete Neilson
81 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:34:29

May as well give Giroud a call. Utter incompetence.

Craig Walker
82 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:35:52

It’s Everton’s fault for leaving a medical until 2 hours to go when we’ve had since January to identify targets. It’s Everton’s fault for selling Beto without sorting out a replacement.

James Marshall
83 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:38:03

But Everton don't dictate the market - deadline day is the busiest day because clubs, players and agents get the best deals that way.

That is NOT Everton's fault - you just don't understand how the economics of football work

Rocco Bugaj
84 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:38:24

Benzema, Vlahovic, without contract

Andrew Ellams
85 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:38:45

Why would players like Branthwaite and Garner want to be part of this shit show

Ian Wilkins
86 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:39:00

Lyon said Balogun was injured, he hadn’t played. They said he had played the World cup with an injury and it hadn’t healed/ recovered.
Does that not put you on your guard?
Do you not make sure you’re happy with his medical condition before you let Beto go.
Part of the problem is that like AMN Balogun wasn’t first choice, we’re racing round at the death picking up last minute options.
This is what you get when you act in this way.
As things stand we’ve managed to seriously weaken this squad.

James Marshall
87 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:41:47

But it isn't up to us to dictate - we're a mid table side with very little bargaining power in the modern game. We have no choice but to do business this way.

It won't be through choice, it'll be because clubs, players and agents make it so.

Deadline day/the transfer window is designed entirely to squeeze as much out of clubs as possible. It's one big house of cards that Everton don't control.

Rocco Bugaj
88 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:42:47

Why isn't the medical check-up done earlier? That way, you could minimize that kind of last-minute rush!

Nigel Scowen
89 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:43:30

James@83

I suspect you are wasting your breath here James.

Bill Gall
90 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:43:35

Why worry we can have him fit by Easter.

Dave Whitwell
91 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:43:49

This is absolutely shocking, my guess is it’s a minor issue and they are trying to get the price down, if we’re in such dire straits financially why sell N’Daiye 20% below market value, we are shit at selling and even worse at buying, now the best part of £30m offer for zirkzee who’s scored 5 goals.

Imagine the worse scenario possible and that’s where we always end up.

I’m absolutely done 45 years of supporting this club, I’m both proud to be an Evertonian in the way we grouped together to prevent the sale of Armstrong, especially this away fans singing there hearts out on Sat, and at the same time could never have been less proud to be an Evertonian with the shit show of management that runs our club. We are an absolute laughing stock.

Kieran Kinsella
92 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:43:53

Ian

What does it have to do with Lyon?

James Marshall
93 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:44:35

"Everton say the deal to bring Folarin Balogun to the club is still being worked on amid reports there were issues with the move.

The 25-year-old American has been on Merseyside since lunch time having a medical but reports in France have suggested there were problems."

He's been here all day, it's not as last minute as you think. Often these deals are thrashed out ahead of time to some extent - multi million pound deals rarely happen in one day but the deals themselves go to the last minute for the reasons I've already stated.

Jim Bennings
94 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:44:44

Jack the Ripper doing our medicals or what FFS

Gavin Johnson
95 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:44:51

Hopefully this is the usual TFG tactic of trying to get a better deal. Absolute circus club if we end up with one striker when the window closes.

John Davies
96 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:45:02

Absolute embarrassment of a club. Owned and run by bloody amateurs.
Christ, how far have we fallen? In my 65 years following Everton I think we have actually reached the lowest point I have witnessed. The club is a joke and my heart has been torn out. But the people who own the club couldn't give a shit about that. I cannot express my feelings towards them openly or I'd be banned from this website for life.

Jeff Armstrong
97 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:46:00

Even if Balogun gets over the line how long before he is fit? especially Moyes fit, Norgarrd has been here about 6 weeks and still no sign of him playing, not even for the U21’s for match fitness.

Tommy Carter
98 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:47:01

Joke football club. With a joke manager. As if you sell your best player. Why on earth have sold N’Diaye. We absolutely didn’t have to. It made some modicum of sense when Grealish, Maitland-Niles, Richarlison and Balogun were coming in. The overall picture was that we’d have a healthier squad in terms of numbers and some comparable quality.

We’ve sold Beto, Tim and Patterson as well as N’Diaye. Cover in 3 positions. 2 of which we are incredible short in and possibly our best player.

In return we have Grealish whose career is on a downward curve and Maitland Niles who I’m not convinced is a right back of premier league standard - it’s not his natural position.

We’ve signed Norgaard who is crocked. Rohl has a poor injury record and who knows if Hackney will prove to be premier league quality. Coleman is also gone from the club and whilst hardly contributing on the pitch, he was still a leader in an environment where there seems to be very few.

To have to rely on Thierno Barry alone is absolute negligence of the highest order. If he gets injured or picks up a ban - what’s the plan then?

This is a disgrace. I’m livid.

Rocco Bugaj
99 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:47:26

Just over an hour left. Does anyone still believe another player is coming in? In my opinion, it’s over. We’ve let eight players go and brought in five. We’re still missing a right-back, a left-back, and a striker. We do have some money for that, though.

Nick Page
100 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:47:37

James. Are the well run mid table clubs with no bargaining power, Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford running around with their arses on fire in deadline day? I can’t see them…

They probably identified most of their transfer targets last year, followed them, then got bids in early. That’s what competent football clubs do

Danny Baily
101 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:48:18

Could we have avoided this shit show by selling Armstrong as planned? Maybe our intervention wasn't all that helpful.

Gavin Johnson
102 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:48:27

We signed an injured Norgaard, so we better sign Balogun. There will be TFG out protests if we don't bring in a striker.

Mal van Schaick
103 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:48:59

Underwhelming in the organised chaos.

Josh Horne
104 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:49:01

Rondon?

Ian Wilkins
105 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:50:20

What this has to do with Lyon is that they declared an injury up front. One that had been in play for a while. I'm saying that should have put us on notice that there could be an issue.

When you know there's an existing injury, then for Christ's sake, bottom it out before you let your second forward leave.

That's just common sense, isn't it?

James Marshall
106 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:51:46

Nick, all three of those clubs have been very well run in recent years - we haven't. We're still cleaning up the shit show so they have more bargaining power than we do.

Also, there are exceptions to every rule.

The point stands about deadline day and the transfer window, no matter how you try to counter it.

Loads of top clubs are also scrambling around on the last day.

Andrew Ellams
107 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:51:49

Sunderlands owner travels to France personally to get a deal for Malick Fofana over the line.

Our shysters are still anonymous, even to the manager.

Michael Kenrick
108 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:52:22

Bottom it out?

What the fuck???

Nick Page
109 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:52:39

Everton could get bought by Elon Musk and be the richest club in the world for four seconds, and then the fella would die in a Tesla hit by a SpaceX rocket whilst tweeting how ace we were on X. And still survive a relegation battle.

James Marshall
110 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:52:51

Ian@105

Balogun plays for Monaco, not Lyon

Tony Hughes
111 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:53:10

Keep your powder dry, we were told, there's still a hour to go.

What a mess of a window!

Tom Bowers
112 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:55:24

We got a right back.

We are gonna need him because we have nothing up front that's gonna win us lots of games so it will be the usual defensive dogged style that Moyes loves.

Tony Hughes
113 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:56:24

What is Balogun's injury?

Surely we knew of this injury before we began the chase?

Ian Wilkins
114 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:56:32

James,
Confused selling clubs with AMN, but you get my point.

Kunal Desai
115 Posted 01/09/2026 at 21:59:43

Sorry, but this is not a new era under TFG or Kinnear.

They tried to push through the sale of our young star, tells you everything about these owners. They don't care.

5 players out and none in. Terrible.

Nick Page
116 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:00:12

Imagine how much money the likes of that complete goon Kinnear are coining from Everton. It beggars belief.

They spend more time working out their pitiful excuses to con the fanbase over and over.

Gavin Johnson
117 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:00:28

Tony #113

Of course they should have known. A well run club would.

But this is Everton... we do things differently.

Tommy Carter
118 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:01:27

@100 Nick. Tremendous observation and I couldn’t agree more. Brighton also held firm on Minteh as another example to Everton Football Club.

They jettisoned their original plan to sell Armstrong. Why? If they are competent people running the club then who cares what the fans think. If they think that’s the best move for the football club - and will take the club forward - then they should stick to their plan. Would the supporters have liked it or understood? Maybe not - but they’ll soon wind their necks in if the club progresses and moves forward. That’s the point isn’t it? Fans don’t run football clubs because we are not meant to have the expertise, skills and experience that these people are meant to have.

Yes - the thoughts and feelings of the supporters should be considered as part of any process but nothing more than that.

The reality is that they have absolutely no clue what they’re doing. This is amateur and embarrassing. The supporters really are the only thing that have kept this club afloat at this level for so long

James Marshall
119 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:03:10

So I've just done some digging on this, and the only person who has reported that there's been an issue with the medical, is a French guy on X called Fabrice Hawkins.

All his posts are **EXCLUSIVES** and he seems to affiliate with RMC Sports in France(RMC is a bit like TNT Sports over here). Every other outlet reporting this relates to his one post on X.

There is literally nothing else online - nothing official about the so called 'failed medical'.

Jack Convery
120 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:04:06

He had a serious shoulder injury in 24/25 season. Maybe it's got something to do with that.

Anthony Dwyer
121 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:04:32

The biggest disappointment from this is the club actually think we as a fan base believe anything they say.
They bid for Balogun last minute and never knew he was injured !?!?!
Ffs we get the absolute puss taking out of us.
Moyes will still get the blame off a few on here, tbh he should walk, especially after we took such a measly bid for Ndiaye, he's left to pick up the pieces.
Sooner we can get proper owners the better.
Shit show.

James Marshall
122 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:05:21

From the RMC website:

Folarin Balogun (Monaco) failed his medical at Everton
His transfer to Everton was imminent, but Monaco's American striker Folarin Balogun (25 years old) failed his medical with the Toffees, according to our information. A move to the Liverpool club now seems very unlikely, unless there's a last-minute change of heart.

"According to our information". Hmm..

Derek Thomas
123 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:05:22

All I can hear is the sound of laughter from beyond the grave.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Nick Page
124 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:06:06

Purslow on Sky should be a good watch.

Iain Johnston
125 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:06:08

It's a strange one as at no point has Balogun be been registered injured for either Monaco or USA or unavailable to play. Monaco insist he's ready but due to his late return from the WC squad he needs conditioning.
Pochettino said at the WC he had a slight thigh strain? He played 4 games and scored 3 goals, is that indicative of an injured player??

It appears that Moyes et al wanted him ready for the Man Utd game for which, even if he wasn't carrying any type of 'strain' he still wouldn't be match fit.

For me there's more to this and my gut is that it's money related. Maybe Monaco want more to cover the 17.5% they have to give to Arsenal?

Christy Ring
126 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:06:12

Balogun was here this morning for his medical, Beto completed his medical and signed around 4pm... How did it take until 3 hours before the window closes to find out Balogun failed his medical???

A total cock up, and what a recruitment team we have, you don't sell your only other striker before you have a replacement in.

Remember this morning when Fulham wouldn't let Tete go until they found a replacement, couldn't get one, so he wasn't sold? That's how you do business!!!

Jim Bennings
127 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:07:25

Descending into an absolute farce this window with it just exposing how pathetic these owners are and Kinnear is a mere Muppet.

How can you have still not announced the Grealish, Maitland Niles deals and allow the Balogun deal to fall through after a medical yet we sign Noorgard who I'm hearing is injured for three months himself?

How can we allow this window to close with one striker on offer?

Fucking embarrassing

Mal van Schaick
128 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:08:52

Zirkzee couldn’t hit a barn door.

Martin Berry
129 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:09:10

James 119#

So true how these rumors start, thanks for your research

Robin Emmerson
130 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:09:13

Notwithstanding the absolute total incompetence over the Balogun affair, now we're looking at Red Manc cast-offs (well not even that good). For f**k sake Alan Irvine would be a better bet up front. Still at least we dodged a bullet with Tete or was that through accident rather than design!

Nick Page
131 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:09:17

Derek @123. The Emperor has no clothes

James Marshall
132 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:10:19

Man Utd rejected the Zirkzee offer

Nick Page
133 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:11:37

Even Myersy can’t put any lipstick on this pig

Andrew Ellams
134 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:12:20

The Zirkzee offer rejected. How bad does the next hour go to convince Moyes to walk away?

Christy Ring
135 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:13:07

Myers just said Utd have said no to Zirkzee deal, too late in the day, an absolute shambles.

Jamie Sweet
136 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:13:53

Club just announced Grealish on X, and all the replies are basically just telling them to fuck off!

The natives are getting restless.

Jack Convery
137 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:13:54

As was said in Life of Brian - he's making it up as he goes along !

Gavin Johnson
138 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:13:56

Heads have gotta roll over this circus.

Denver Daniels
139 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:14:26

I mean Zirkzee really!! Freaking hilarious. Not really a typical striker so don't expect any goals. Interesting signing for sure.

Mark Ryan
140 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:14:27

One good thing coming out of Deadline Day is that Moyes won't be able to annoy us all by substituting Barry on 80 minutes for Beto. Every cloud .

Nick Page
141 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:14:50

Anthony @121. The club has been taking the piss out the fans since Spinwright claimed he saved Everton. But like the British electorate, you just can’t trust idiots.

Scott Hamilton
142 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:16:07

Grealish confirmed

John Pickles
143 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:16:42

Tim's officially gone now. Has anyone been pictured holding up the shirt yet?

They should have sent them to Arrowe Park A&E for the medicals, it's only a 12 hour wait there!

Christy Ring
144 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:17:07

Grealish has just signed, what's the bet he won't be fit for Sunday?

James Marshall
145 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:17:10

I reckon we'll still sign Balogun

Jon Bentley
146 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:17:27

Honestly think I prefer no striker to Zirkzee!!

Monaco don't now need cash either.

Graham stepping up!!

Nick Page
147 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:18:01

He’ll be like a new signing, Scott

Gavin Johnson
148 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:18:35

David Ornstien says it's happening but a lower fee and higher bonuses.

Mark Ryan
149 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:18:58

I see Monaco have just sold a player to Chelsea for £47 million. Perhaps they don't want to lose 2 of their players right now ?

Nick Page
150 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:20:40

She’s fit that tall blonde on Sky. Hope she hasn’t got bunions like

Dale Self
151 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:22:00

Knell, Nick! Stay on track man, less than an hour to go.

Tony Hughes
152 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:22:34

Yes Nick, but can she play up front?

James Marshall
153 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:23:08

The deal is still on. Lower fee, higher bonuses

Tony Hughes
154 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:24:36

Hull owner on now, communicating with the fans, a novel idea

Andrew Ellams
155 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:24:52

Has Maitland-Miles signed yet?

Michael Bennet
156 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:25:21

If we still take him injured...would you be happy, Moyes will get slaughtered either way the poor fuck, he just gets told what to do, ya can see he's more pissed off in each presser than the last

Andrew Ellams
157 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:27:12

Michael, Moyes is not to blame for this fiasco

Peter Mitchell
158 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:27:41

We have now been turned down by Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham - desperate it seems!

Mark Ryan
159 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:27:49

Tony you say he's communicating but bless him, I'm not getting anything of what he's saying lol

Ian Jones
160 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:28:30

So much rubbish written on here. We got some deals in early, tied up the loan options from last season, got some deals done mid transfer window and some late deals and even later deals including last minute ones just like most PL clubs. You win some, you lose some...just like most PL clubs. Are we stronger than last season. Probably. Unlike some clubs. Do we have a right back bought in. Yes. Do we have cover. Yes, Garner, Rohl and at a push O"Brien. We'll be good to go with what we have.

James Marshall
161 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:28:49

I'm not getting much communication from the Hull Chairman to be fair

Nick Page
162 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:28:54

Mad as fuck Hull owner on Sky telling everyone he’s not selling proper snides at a massive discount in Antalya. Haven’t understood a word. Serefe

Tony Hughes
163 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:29:10

Yes true Mark, subtitles needed😀

Mark Doyle
164 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:29:46

I actually feel sorry for my 3 sons that have to suffer this shitshow. I mean this is a fucking farce. If I was Moyes I walk out the door.

Oliver Molloy
165 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:30:08

Grealish has signed wey hey!! dancing round the room like a, like a, like a...oh fuck it never mind.

Tommy Carter
166 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:30:20

@156 &157

Moyes is very much part of the problem.

Do you think Klopp, Guardiola, Mourinho … hugely successful managers would stand for this?

They’d be out of the door on principle. To give a more recent example Oliver Glasner did exactly that

John Pickles
167 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:30:42

There's a problem with the Maitland-Niles transfer. Turns out he's not injured enough.

Everton not sure if they can sign a player who's immediately fit to play.

Mark Ryan
168 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:30:48

His name is an anagram of A can of Piccalili. I love a bit of that yellow stuff

Scott Hamilton
169 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:30:48

Apparently Villa’s Tammy Abraham has knocked us back.

Nick Page
170 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:30:52

Dale, I’m a feet guy. What can I say….

Soren Moyer
171 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:31:01

This club got screwed yet again by doing their transfer business so late!
We never learn!
What a fucking mess!!!

Soren Moyer
172 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:31:01

This club got screwed yet again by doing their transfer business so late!
We never learn!
What a fucking mess!!!

Mark Fitzgerald
173 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:31:40

38yr old Benzema on a free. Surely this was the plan all along. Our No.1 target. Everton, building for the future.

Robin Emmerson
174 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:32:37

Looks like the Mancs have taken pity on us and put the "kybosh" on a loan deal for Zirksee, either that or they know we're desperate (as usual) and are holding out to get us to buy him completely!!!
You couldn't sell this as a Disney film although we are run by Yanks! They're probably looking to move the Everton "franchise to somewhere like Atlanta as we speak. Atlanta Toffees anyone?

Dale Rose
175 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:33:07

I went to see a car once, owner said it keeps going into limp mode, wonder if the club would be interested. You couldnt make this shite up.

Jack Convery
176 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:33:52

[Bad link deleted]

Mark Ryan
177 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:35:59

You can almost expect us to put a late bid in for Dominic Calvert Lewin and pay £50 million for him

James Marshall
178 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:36:00

Is it just me or has this thread gone into limp mode as well?

Jack Convery
179 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:36:14

Is the Burnley guy still awake? We could ask him.

Rocco Bugaj
180 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:36:16

Ian, I’m afraid I can’t agree with you. Do we have a right-back? Yes!
Did we let a right-back go? Yes!
Did we sign a left-back? No!
Did we let a left-back go? Yes!
Do we have a good new centre-forward? No!
Did we let a centre-forward go? Yes!
We’ve actually made the major problems in these three positions worse.

James Marshall
181 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:37:26

Everton and AS Monaco now believe they have all set to complete Folarin Balogun deal.

Documents being exchanged.

Source: Fabrizio Romano.

There, what did I say.

Terry Downes
182 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:38:02

Taxi for Kinnear me thinks

Ant Sorvoja
183 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:38:32

This transfer might still get a green light. Supposedly the paperwork is being progressed if you believe latest Fabrizio Romano update. Reduced fee with more add-ons.

Annika Herbert
184 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:39:16

Well we kept our powder dry in anticipation of a blockbuster summer window. We put together an elite recruitment team and acquired a top data analytics company. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything as it turns out. Our crack recruitment team are more cack than crack. The data analytics team failed miserably in their given task. Maybe there was a problem with their laptops overheating? Plus our much lauded American owners only have one thing in mind, the profit margin.

But don’t worry, we are building for the future, just look what TFG have achieved so far. What other owner could have us scrambling around for a striker on deadline day? What other professional business would leave us with no right back until the last minute and no left back cover at all?

No doubt about it, TFG are heading straight into the pantheon of greatness in Everton history.

Jack Convery
185 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:39:43

As a blasphemer once said as he was about to be stoned - Making it worse, making it worse. How could it be worse. Jehovah. Jehovah, Jehovah.

James Marshall
186 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:40:09

The deal is back on. Calm down everyone. Breathe.

David West
187 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:40:52

James181 and most of your posts..
it's silly season!! Why you posting with actual common sense ?

Tony Abrahams
188 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:42:43

If these new owners are cleaning up the shitshow, it looks like they’re doing it with bottles of diarrhoea, James M.

Jack Convery
189 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:43:14

Now it's Tammy Abrahams ! all sing They don't know what they're doing !!

David West
190 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:44:06

Myers says still going in the right direction. And more positive.

James Newcombe
191 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:44:13

Tammy Wynette would be better and she’s been dead for ages. This club always finds new ways to do my head in.

James Marshall
192 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:45:14

Sorry, David. I should know better and talk more bollocks I know!

Nick Page
193 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:45:40

The RS were asking £80m for Gakpo. We sold Ndiaye, a genuine talent, for £60m. But don’t worry, we’re not overpaying for Balogun.

Mark Fitzgerald
194 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:46:11

What, Balogun deal back on. Quick, revoke the Benzema 5 year contract offer.

Ian Wilkins
195 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:48:22

What do you think the revised deal tells us James?
Lower upfront payment, increased add ons.
Why do you think we offered £10m loan fee for Zirkzee, part loan fee, part payment of his wages at 10pm tonight?

Andrew Ellams
196 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:48:32

Now we just need 3 full backs

David West
197 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:50:32

Some just love the "Everton that" narrative.

If they get him, he's too expensive.
If they don't get him, they're cheapskates.
If he's failed a medical, they should have known all along !
If he signs, and is injured, we are a joke !
If we don't get him, we were never in for him !

James Marshall
198 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:51:19

I reckon the Balogun deal was never actually off - it was only reported by this guy Fabrice Hawkins on X. Nobody else reported anything.

I think we chanced our arm with Utd and Zirkzee at the last minute because we could and thinking he might not play much for Utd this year. It seems Utd want to keep him, simple as that

Kevin Molloy
199 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:51:24

how much do you reckon we've managed to shave off the asking price? I'm thinking 1.5m?

Conor McCourt
200 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:54:34

I think the recruitment team are getting it in the neck for trying to please Moyes within the finances that they are working under.
No left back is because Moyes is happy to use Branthwaite and didn't want Aznou.
Maitland Niles was wanted last summer before many of them were at Everton therefore clearly a Moyes pick.
Tfg want Balogun and Grealish for marketing purposes as well as their ability.
Patterson sold without a second right back as Rohl, Garner and OBrien are all fancied there.by the manager

We have squad weaknesses but the manager has his footprint all over them

Rocco Bugaj
201 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:56:39

James, his coach confirmed that Balogun was (slightly) injured during the World Cup. His Monaco coach explained that, as a result, Balogun was not at 100%.

Jack Convery
202 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:57:54

Door SHUT

Josh Horne
203 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:58:26

Balogan transfer timeline:

8.30 pm: Balogan has a medical problem - deal off.
9.00 pm: Everton shit themselves
9.30 pm: Everton mither various disinterested clubs to loan various hapless strikers.
10.00 pm: Mithered clubs, having completed their business, roll their eyes and tell us to jog on.
10:30 pm: Everton shit themselves
10.45 pm: Balogan recovers from the medical problem - deal back on.

All very reassuring isn't it.

Scott Hamilton
204 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:58:33

Happy New Year everyone!

Oliver Molloy
205 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:58:34

Can you lie about a fucking medical - either it was a clear cut fail, or a matter of Evertons medical people opinion, but it is all typical of our club.

Mike Gaynes
206 Posted 01/09/2026 at 22:59:08

I think Hammond ran a bluff on the Monaco Casino people to get the price down. He walked away from the George, Hackney and Johnson deals to get us better terms and it worked. I think he did it again.

There’s nothing wrong with Balogan. I’m betting this was all Hammond.

Nick Page
207 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:00:08

David @197. When Everton start acting like a real business/football club in the 21st century, win a trophy, and challenge for the Champions League places….i think the “sick to death of it, defeatist” Evertonian fanbase will stop relying on hope and believing that the club and team will deliver. That’s the longest sentence ever. Feel free to. Edit. Apologies

Scott Hamilton
208 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:00:45

Oliver (205) - Sylvester Stallone did in Escape to Victory

Nick Page
209 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:01:36

Myersy - love the positivity. Unfortunately, Alan the club moves forward sideways. As ever

Tony Abrahams
210 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:02:19

The monkeys have only spent peanuts, which means that whatever people want to speculate, is all logically true.

Angus is a lying bastard - true. The friedkin’s, don’t want to spend money - true. Looking at our transfer policy David Moyes has been given a lot more say - true.

The Friedkin’s love walking away from a deal to drive the price down - I’d much prefer it if they walked away from a place they have still never even been.

Josh Horne
211 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:03:37

Ha!
We've screwed Chelsea, Camara deal off
Brilliant.

David West
212 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:04:51

Nick.
I'm more of a realistic. You can't go from shit show to big show in 1 big step, take a few steps.

See how spurs do with their acting like a big club.

Nick Page
213 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:05:13

Evening Tony. Depressing. It’s the hope that kills you….its definitely not competence lol

John Pendleton
214 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:05:50

Whatever happens after the deadline, looks like Barry’s going to get the full 90 minutes against Man Utd (injuries aside, gulp).

Paul Kossoff
215 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:07:10

We just submitted a deal sheet for Balogun bbc Merseyside just now

John Pickles
216 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:07:51

And the medical report now says, " 'tis but a scratch!"

James Marshall
217 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:09:28

As I've said above - the deal was never off. The failed medical was only reported by one bloke in France on X.

Mark Ryan
218 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:09:47

Best comment on TW this season to date.
@12 James Newcombe asks " Just how bad can this Medical have been ? and @14 Kieran Kinsella replies " James, his head fell off".
That was an hour ago and I can't stop laughing. Absolute class Kieran, take a bow sir

Nick Page
219 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:10:24

David @212. Sir, I’m also a realist - thanks and good to know you’re on board. Unfortunately, David Everton FC is all hubris.

Ray Jacques
220 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:10:26

Im going to bad.
The fax machine has probably run out of paper.
I hope to wake up to some good news.

Ian Wilkins
221 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:10:55

Barry might well be first choice for a while.
And you may well see something different, a false nine used towards end of games.
Should be ok, we’ve been used to a false RB for a while.

Josh Horne
222 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:11:24

What looks like utterly amateur incompetence was genius market disruption all along.

Scott Hamilton
223 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:11:36

If Balogun comes on as a sub on Sunday and isn’t in the same sort of shape as the black knight from Monty Python’s Holy Grail then I’ll be gutted.

“It’s only a flesh wound…”

Tony Abrahams
224 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:13:19

Another thing that isn’t speculation is that Moyes gets to keep his preference which has always been a small squad.

Rocco Bugaj
225 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:14:22

How did Balogun manage to recover so quickly? It’s obvious there were—or are—medical issues. But how did he get back to health so fast? Was it a miraculous recovery triggered by a phone call from Trump? Or are we bringing in a player who’s already nursing an injury, hoping he might be able to help us out at some point down the line? And if he is injured: is he sharing a hospital room with Noorgard, or does he have a private room?
So many questions...

Nick Page
226 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:17:28

By the way, if you’re not all bored to tears yet, go and ask your AI what the average PL football club spend is since inception and how many points they’ve gained. It should be informative. Until you realise how few trophies Everton have won. Hence the return. So the question goes back to what Moyes said last week - would you rather roll the dice or just hang around the PL every year doing sod all?

So, do you feel lucky, punk?

Ian Wilkins
227 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:18:36

Purslow on Sky Sports.. “ compromising on deals on deadline day with players with injuries never ends well”.

Jamie Sweet
228 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:18:39

Deal sheet in for Balogun, and AMN close to completion.

Nick Page
229 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:20:55

By the way, Monaco will tell Everton to fuck off.

Deal sheet my arse

Steve Dowdeswell
230 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:21:04

Whats the odds the PL say we don't accept the deal sheet because the font is the wrong size or some shit excuse.

Oliver Molloy
231 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:21:20

Monaco have agreed to a restructuring of the original deal due to whatever is all we know !

Jimmy Carr
232 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:22:55

I would call this proper due diligence by Everton’s medical team actually. It’s not the first time a deal has stalled over a medical and it won’t be the last, there are more important things in the world to get excited about frankly.

So Everton flagged this up and pushed for an amended deal. They’ve caught Monaco with their hands in the till. If this came out after the event, it would be a different matter, and I shudder to think of the meltdown this site would have then. As it is we’ve done our job properly.

Looking forward to seeing him in a blue shirt if this has gone through.

Andrea Jacobs
233 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:23:27

Nick (193)
The reason. We sold N’Daiye for £65m is because he wanted to leave and would not sign a new contract, Manchester City knew this and so they low-balled us. if N’Daiye had signed a new deal we could have sold him for more.

David West
234 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:24:04

Still on Monaco not selling camara to Chelsea now because they don't need to if balogun goes to us.

Hoping we screw Chelsea at the same time !

Mal van Schaick
235 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:24:28

Martin Berry
236 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:24:29

Ian Jones 160#
I totally agree.
Yes we get the drama and who knows what goes on behind the scenes.
Jack is back which is great news
Balogun will be a great signing if the deal sheet gets sorted ?, yes if he has as an injury then hopefully it wont be a long one and its a long..season.
Other deals
Maitland Niles £4.5m an absolute bargain, ex Arsenal and England international
Norgaard £7m a bargain and will be a crowd pleaser (think Gareth Barry).
Brennan swap for McNeil ! another cracking deal
Hackney, Rohl and George all look exceptional business when you see the crazy money being paid.
Would I have liked a replacement for Ndiaye yes most definitely but the squad is far far better than it was at the start of last season.
I see real progress at the club and we are a club in transition which fans forget.

Annika Herbert
237 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:25:12

James @ 192, I thought you had been talking bollocks for most of the night. My mistake…..

Paul Hughes
238 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:25:32

Deal sheet lodged for Balogun deal. It’s going to be a long night.

James Marshall
239 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:25:51

Martin - add to that Grealish has signed on loan, fully expect him to be ours for free at the end of the season as well

Rocco Bugaj
240 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:25:53

Jim, that’s a very good assessment. Nevertheless, I would prefer it if the medical took place 24 hours before the signing.

Nick Page
241 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:25:56

Love your positivity, Jimmy mate.

Despite all the piss taking and negativity, let’s hope the Mighty Toffees have a great season.

Good luck everyone. Lots of love COYB

Oliver Molloy
242 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:26:37

Its not done /confirmed yet ! - the relevant deal papers have been submitted by 11pm, now there is another two hour window, so 1am we will know.

Mike Gaynes
243 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:27:58

I think the worst consequence of this window will be that Achy Breaky heart becomes one of our fan songs.

Rocco Bugaj
244 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:29:14

After this transfer window, I’ll probably go to the doctor tomorrow. Diagnosis: whiplash from shaking my head.

John Pendleton
245 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:32:30

It would be so much easier if we were prepared to consider signing strikers with a surname not beginning with the letter B.

Have we over-ordered Bs for shirt sales or something?

Mike Gaynes
246 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:36:38

Yep, John, if Haaland’s name had been Baaland we would have signed him.

Rocco Bugaj
247 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:37:37

John, maybe Baaland will come from City in January, then?

James Marshall
248 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:39:36

Annika @237 thanks. I think. To be fair I did say the deal was never actually off.

Roll on tomorrow morning.

Sean Kearns
249 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:43:09

I think Brennan Johnson is the replacement for N’Diaye and may well have more goals in him too!

Paul Griffiths
250 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:44:49

"I will be going to sleep tonight with a smile on my face, ready for training tomorrow. I can’t wait to be back at Hill Dickinson on Sunday." - Pisshead 🔵

Jay Harris
251 Posted 01/09/2026 at 23:58:59

Whatever the final picture we can all honestly say this so called elite recruitment team have been anything but.

We sold our most skilful player despite assuring supporters we do not want to sell our best players.

We attempted to cash in on our most promising prospect until a fan backlash put a stop to it.

We were supposed to be in for a RB of the quality of Norton Coffey only to find Hull fucking HULL sign him and we end up with Maitland Niles.

We sell a striker and DM player without having replacements sorted beforehand despite those 2 areas being areas of weakness.

We let our only LB cover go on loan and don’t get a replacement for a position that is already under strength.

Everton have officially announced themselves as a small club.

Small in thinking, small in behaviour and small in ambition.

James Marshall
252 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:01:14

Maitland-Niles deal is confirmed

Eric Myles
253 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:06:12

Tony #224, he'll have 24 players in the squad, just like every other team.

Mark Taylor
254 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:13:02

Well James that is a relief. Time for champagne...

Ant Sorvoja
255 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:13:19

We signed a right-back.

Maitland-Niles must have been our 15th choice after a long list of dead-end rumours and low-ball offers.

Jamie Sweet
256 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:22:26

It's official, Maitland-Niles has been announced by the club.

What a time to be alive!

Peter Thistle
257 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:24:47

Sky Sports News headline is now saying "Balogun deal is off". WTF is goin on ?

Jamie Sweet
258 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:29:11

I heard that Maitland-Niles can play in a number of positions. Perhaps striker is one of them.

Ant Sorvoja
259 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:33:25

Balogun pulled off the transfer deal.

Our executive team is a joke. Going from Balogun to Zirkzee to Abraham and back to Balogun in a single day. And all failed transfers.

There was that Richie deal on their plans too.

Oliver Molloy
260 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:33:30

See the club had only submitted the relevant papers by 11pm this just lets keep on taking, either club can pull the plug as well as the player let's see who blames who !

Geoff Lambert
261 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:34:23

Yes deal is off. Thats so Everton for ya.

Gavin Johnson
262 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:35:53

We are screwed. We're gonna have to try and get a free agent like Vardy or Martial. We can't have one recognised striker until Jan. This window has been the biggest joke in living memory.

Paul Hughes
263 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:37:16

BBC saying that clubs were in agreement, but the player has pulled out. He’s going to be really popular at Monaco, causing two transfers to crash.

Gavin Johnson
264 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:37:32

Apparently it was the player himself who changed his mind. Probably saw the club for the unprofessional jokers they are trying to haggle over the fee.

Ant Sorvoja
265 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:41:30

Gavin #264 it is either that or Monaco did not pay the loyalty fees (like in Richarlisons case).

Rocco Bugaj
266 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:42:03

Everton’s move for Folarin Balogun is off after the United States international decided against the move.

The Premier League club had renegotiated the deal for Balogun with his club, Monaco, after issues arose during the 25-year-old striker’s medical.

Everton submitted a dealsheet — a document submitted to the Premier League that secures a club an extra two-hour ‘grace period’ to get a transfer over the line on deadline day — to complete the transfer, but Balogun opted not to proceed with the deal and left Everton’s Finch Farm training ground without signing.
(The Athletic)

Paul Kossoff
267 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:42:13

The deal is officially off
Everton's move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has fallen through after a change of heart from the player - after the deal scuppered Chelsea's chances of signing Lamine Camara.
I thought something was going on hear what a shithouse if true. Mind this is Everton. I wonder if we can get Beto on loan.

Andy Burke
268 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:44:26

He could smell how full of shit the Everton Hierarchy was. Surprise surprise, all of the Kenwright out gobshites have kept their mouths shut. The Americans are Dickheads and we all know it.

Mark Taylor
269 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:46:29

Oops.

No doubt Johnson will be our reserve striker

Steve Brown
270 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:47:44

Michael Keane, come on down.

Thank goodness we didn’t sell him to West Ham.

Gavin Johnson
271 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:49:02

I wouldn't blame Moyes if he walked. He's complained about the squad size all window and he's been left with 16 outfield players. There's going to be be 4 goal keepers on the bench this season.

TFG can't sack themselves, but I wish they'd sell up and get out of our club now. In the meantime Kinnear has to go.

We have to explore the free agent market now. Even Karim Benzama at 38 could do a job on a 1 year deal. Anthony Martial is also free. Failing that we only have Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson who could play there in their secondary positions. It's also a good job we didn't let Graham go out on loan. He might have to be given a go, but for all his ability he just looks too small and slight IMO.

Andy Burke
272 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:51:19

We only want players that want to come to Everton. Absolute incompetency. Angus Kinear is an absolute joker.

Ian Wilkins
273 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:55:04

What a day, what a transfer window.
We are left with only one forward after today’s striker debacle. How can that happen?
We get our 10th choice RB, is he really a RB?
No cover at LB, we let the cover go out on loan.
We sold our best player, it appears for less than current market value.
The squad appears weaker than when we entered the window.
Not a Moyes fan but have to have some sympathy saddled with these glaring squad deficiencies.
No chance to put this mess right till January and even then could you trust those in charge to do so.
But all is well I guess we ended the window net cash positive.

Rocco Bugaj
274 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:55:56

It’s 2:00 a.m. here in Germany now, and I can’t sleep because I’m still in such a state of disbelief. We signed players but failed to address our three problem areas: right-back, left-back, and center-forward. On the contrary, we now have even fewer left-backs and center-forwards than before.

Mark Taylor
275 Posted 01/09/2026 at 00:59:11

Gavin, I make it 19 assuming AML and Grealish arrive but you're right, it's thin for a PL squad. Balogun would have turned it into an OK window, instead what we end up with is a country mile off Kinnears quoted expectations.

Leaving stuff till the last hours or two always risks leaving you in trouble. Now we willl no doubt get Richarlison on loan as though that makes up for this.

Kevin Molloy
276 Posted 01/09/2026 at 01:01:46

Straight forward professional negligence. Don’t even have enough bodies to make up a squad on match days. At least the pressure is off Jarrad now, it’s any injury to Barry we have to worry about.
And if they had got their way we’d also have had Harrison out the door.
I suppose we have to be grateful they’ve let us have Pickford for a few more months at least. But I’m sure there is more bold squad pruning to come.

Ant Sorvoja
277 Posted 01/09/2026 at 01:02:29

Don’t worry. Danny Ings is still available on the free transfer list.

(only joking but knowing our Everton …)

Gavin Johnson
278 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:06:11

Mark, you're right, I did the count before Grealish and AMN signed, but even with those two we're screwed with a few injuries. The only positive I can think of is that Moyes seems to thrive in back to the wall situations but is he going to get a tune out of such a depleted squad with only one recognised striker until the next transfer window...?!

Mark Taylor
279 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:06:19

Cue some very desperate loan/free agent deals

Lewis Barclay
280 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:09:02

Squad is only 17 senior outfield players. At full fitness, Moyes can only fill the bench by naming two goalkeepers.

Paul Kossoff
281 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:10:45

Hint to our " CRACK" recruitment team. Free transfers. Dušan Vlahović 26 free. Mauro Icardi 31 free.Luka Jović free Danny Ings free.
We are fkd now Beto has gone. I can see D M waiting till the 70th min to drag our lone striker off and looking at the bench with a worried look. It's ok Mr forth official, we will leave it for now. Um when's January Angus?

Ant Sorvoja
282 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:12:53

Gavin, you are right I think Moyes best ever Premier League finish was that Marcus Bent season. However it was a long time ago and the squad needs were very different then with less subs and intensity.

Mark, you can only sign free agents after the deadline day.

Paul, Dušan Vlahović is not available as he plays in Turkey for Besiktas. Also just checked he scored a hat-trick for them in the last match.

Shaun McGough
283 Posted 01/09/2026 at 01:15:26

aaahh the Moyes haters can now get the wish to be sacked (thats if he doesn’t walk anyway from this latest joke) down the bottom come november and out the cup, the toxic gang will love it, the below average 70 /75minutes player that is barry is our main man, so Moyes out, onwards amd upwards with the joke yanks and kinnear, £1000 season ticket down the drain after two games, in the transfer talks how did we let a player go (after renigotiated medical)who was already told he wasn’t wanted at his previous club but we really wanted, Moyes should fuck us right off we have got less ambition and organisation than west ham and look where they are, hurts me to say that about this club and its shite hierarchy come back 777

Gavin Johnson
284 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:16:11

Paul,

I think Dusan Vlahovic would be a better signing than Balogun, but we'd probably have to pay him the kind of wages that Grealish is on, which is the reason he's currently without a club.

*I've just looked and he's joined Besiktas.

Oliver Molloy
285 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:22:05

One thing is certain adtervtgis transfer window - Kinnear is a total bullshiter.

The player pulling the plug says a lot about how far we have fallen as a club, new stadium, fantastic support big deal obviously to lots of our so called targets.
Should have went and got Richy, the man who wanted to come back and give us his all.

Wrong manager, wrong recruitment team , wrong scouts and wrong fucking owners.

Kieran Kinsella
286 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:34:25

So our squad was weaker than last year 3 days ago so we sell five more and bring in two. Wtf

Simon Dalzell
287 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:35:14

must be THE most disastrous day in my 62 years a blue. INCOMPETENCE beyond desription. Bloody yanks trying to ruin the world and now our club. All about profit. SHITHOUSES.

Joe McMahon
288 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:38:36

We miss Kevin Thelwell.

I'd admire Moyes more if he'd resign.

Karl Jones
289 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:40:29

What would shock me even more than this pathetic attempt to improve the Everton squad, is if Moyes hasn't resigned by 5.30 pm tomorrow.
How could you carry on working for such incompetent people?
Talk about having the rug pulled from under you.

Paul Kossoff
290 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:44:18

What's that saying? Pigs led by swine, says enough about this fkg joke of a club. Wonder if any protests planned for Sunday? 1878 letter to the Yanks?

Steve Brown
291 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:46:02

Think it's a good time to pause and reflect.

Perhaps turn on the Benny Hill theme tune for light listening.

1) We have sold the best player at the club.
2) Taken back Cocktail Jack.
3) Signed another midfielder to cover right-back.
4) Finished the window with one striker.
5) And one full-back.
6) Signed an injured 32 year old to patrol midfield... one day.
7) Net spend of £2.58.

Can't understand why Balogun wasn't feeling the vibe. He flew to England to complete his medical and sign the deal. We found an issue we didn't like (unlike Norgaard), so spent hours trying to lowball the fee, then sign other forwards so we could show him the exit door. Then after probably asking him to wait in a cupboard somewhere, we pop in at five minutes to midnight and say "don't worry lad, we'll sign you after all." Unbelieavably he decided to head home - what is his problem? Terrible attitude.

David Wall
292 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:53:10

Maybe Kinear should give a call to Trump, he can tell Balogan to change his mind because he owes Trump a favor

Shaun McGough
293 Posted 02/09/2026 at 01:53:24

the spittter thst cant manage his own finances is laughing

Dave Whitwell
294 Posted 02/09/2026 at 02:27:38

Well at least our SSR worries must now be the best in the league, we’ve hardly got anyone left to pay wages to!

Any chance we can still register Bainsy and the Yak?

Paul Griffiths
295 Posted 02/09/2026 at 02:28:11

Wasn't that just great news Shaun. Mind you, I don't know what I have in my checking account.

Phillip Warrington
296 Posted 02/09/2026 at 02:42:20

What did Everton suspect was going to happen?

We go in for the player with a slight issue, so we will see who we can get at the last minute; they reject us, so we go back for the player, asking for a reduced rate... What did they think the player was going to say? I would tell Everton to go and fuck themselves.

A right ful-back gained at the last minute only because no one else wanted him and yet we have had at least 12 months to hunt down at least 3 to 4 targets. Let's blame the people who really are to blame -- the fucken owners!

We only got the players we had on loan the re-signing of 2 players, and a last minute budget deal, and an aged injured player. To do that, we had to sell our prized asset, our next best surplus midfielder (personally I would have rather it had been Alcaraz) and one of our two shit strikers.

You can't tell me our owners didn't know that the striker had a fair chance of failing his medical; they knew and waited till there was no realistic chance of finding a replacement.

You can't tell me the fine we paid to Burnley didn't affect our transfer budget, hence trying to sell Armstrong as well. Moyes and the recruitment team go after a player and the owner says "Sorry, funds not available for that player."

There's not much they can do... so please, people, lay the blame were it should be: on the fucken owners, who only bought the club to flip it at a profit, and not the people trying to work within it.

Bill Gall
297 Posted 02/09/2026 at 02:43:01

I am afraid that the new owners of Everton are not really interested in the team, their only interest is the income that will be coming in from the loyal supporters attending the games at Hill Dickinson Stadium and putting Concerts on and renting it out to other organizations. They have showed their interest by non attendance at the games and doing flyovers. Do not believe they are not interested as they are, but only on the financial aspects they will gain on owning a prestigious premier league team that has a solid reputation in the English Premier Division. I believe that is why D.Moyes was hired as he has a reputation of stability to keep us in the Premier, and that will provide a serious amount of income along with rentals to use the stadium. It was not often you heard of a player turning down the opportunity to join Everton but it is happening.

Denver Daniels
298 Posted 02/09/2026 at 02:46:39

1 recognized left back, right back and striker. This is madness. Square pegs round holes and the season's only just begun. We are not a serious football team.

Karl Jones
299 Posted 02/09/2026 at 02:55:06

If we're playing last day brinkmanship, why did they not hold back Beto until we had Balogun signed and sealed?...Fulham did this with Tete, so still had him to fall back on when their move for a replacement collapsed..
It's common sense isn't it?

Gavin Johnson
300 Posted 02/09/2026 at 03:07:04

I can't sleep and switch off from thinking about it as I'm so angry and pissed off about how the day started optimistically, to how it ended in absolute farce, with the club making themselves and the fans look laughing stocks again.

TFG are charlatans now as far as I'm concerned. The last week has unequivocally proven that we are the junior team compared to Roma, and they have bought the club for the stadium and the business opportunities associated with that. I see zero ambition and think they just want to milk and exploit the fanbase.

We must be the lowest Net spenders in the window now. We may even be in profit and maybe that was what TFG wanted from the beginning because something is deeply amiss, either by what we are being told about what money was available, or their intentions about what their long terms plans are towards the clubs direction.

TFG's tactic of buying our club and Roma was to show interest, discuss a deal, then renege, and then later come back to get better terms. And it's a tactic that has found its way into our transfer dealings, with Boro and Chelsea for Hackey and George to get a few million knocked off the price. To me, it's what feels like what has happened tonight. We tried to renegotiate when the player felt he was fit, or very near fitness and so did Monaco. So Balogun has seen the club as being unprofessional and refused to sign. It's totally blown up in their faces and the potential consequences are dire, and it is all of their own making with no suitable back-up plan because they left pivotal transfer business until the last day and minutes.

If this happened to Roma, their fans would be in absolute uproar and while I accept the fan culture is different here, I think many fans will accept this, not because they don't care, but because they are so downtrodden and conditioned to this kind of behaviour from successive owners for the last 30 odd years.

Mihir Ambardekar
301 Posted 02/09/2026 at 03:13:45

We have long long underwhelming season in front of us.

Bob Parrington
302 Posted 02/09/2026 at 03:22:33

RB replacement signed. Maitland-Niles from Olympique Lyonnais signed on 3 year contract!!

Jamie Sweet
303 Posted 02/09/2026 at 03:31:52

All is not lost people. I've just been checking the free agents on transfermarkt.com.

We could get Vardy Icardi or Benzema up front, Raphaël Guerreiro for left back cover, and Dani Carvajal for the right.

And are we forgetting what a lethal striker Michael Keane is as well?!

Plenty of reason for optimism don't you think?

Anyone?

David Connor
304 Posted 02/09/2026 at 03:47:03

Its becoming obvious to us all we are the poor relations as far as the Friedkins are concerned.They don't seem to give 2 fucks about our football team.Do us all a favour sell up and fuck off back to the states and take that clown of a CEO Angus Roy Kinnear with you.What a shit show of a club.

Alan McGuffog
305 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:13:57

Here's how it goes. Moyes grits his teeth, and plays Braiden Graham. The young man does a Rooney and scores goals for fun. In January Man U offer us some magic beans and off he goes. Smiles all round.

Jay Harris
306 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:17:26

While our elite recruitment team were stroking each others ego little Hull totally showed them up by getting a decent premier ready goalscorer and a young quality RB. You know the ones we were told were hard to come by.Fleming for 20m and Norton cuffey for 10m.

I hope domeone confronts Angus with that one.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
307 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:18:25

This will be totally fascinating to hear what the CEO and owners have to say for themselves after this debacle. Probably nothing, and maybe it’s better that way. Better for them to slither away in shame than come out and bullshit us.

How you can leave us with no clear cover in 3 different positions and expect to challenge for a cup or Europe is an exercise in auch gross incompetence, you couldn’t imagine it playing out much worse.

Our starting right back, left back, right wing and striker are not even mid-table quality, and none of them even have someone really pushing them (I don’t even know who are right wing is, but all the options fir the above quality).

At this point it will be a small miracle to finish top half. All was relatively promising if we only brought in Munoz or Norton-Cuffy and Richarlison. We couldn’t even pull off the easy signings, though, never mind a couple more loans to give us depth. Now we’ll be shopping in the bargain basement of free agents. Fun times to be an Evertonian, the hope just slowly and forever destroying your soul.

Mike Gaynes
308 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:25:19

Today was a fuckup for the ages by TFG, but the biggest was selling Beto. To put it in Tom Wolfe's words, that screwed our pooch.

We needed to have three senior strikers in the squad to compete for Europe and make Cup runs. We are now down to one because by selling Beto they left the club's immediate future in the hands of a 24-year-old who decided to walk after his physical went sour.

Signing off on the Beto sale before ensuring that at least one and preferably two replacements were legally confirmed was sheer executive malpractice, and the CEO is ultimately responsible.

Kinnear should be looking for a new job by lunchtime tomorrow and Friedkin should be looking for a new CEO... while the rest of the executive gang is searching out free agent forwards.

Or leading a prayer circle that Charly Alcaraz can be a backup striker or Braiden Graham is ready for the big time right now.

Ironically, the rest of the day was okay. Great to have Jack back, Maitland-Niles is at least serviceable, Illy was destined to leave anyway and the deal for him was tremendously profitable, and Tim and Patto won't be missed.

But the striker situation is a disaster.

Alan J Thompson
309 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:32:03

Apparently the medico who did the Norgaard medical was busy doing Grealish's.

Jim Bennings
310 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:50:47

The club is done.

TFG are a roaring failure and I wouldn't be shocked if the next news we hear is Moyes has quit and Duncan Ferguson is back in charge by Saturday.

How the fuck can you go into the rest of the season with Barry as the only available senior striker is absolutely beyond my better belief.

Terry Downes
311 Posted 02/09/2026 at 04:56:27

That’s the beauty of leaving it till the last day trying to be clever
We’re a penny pinching small selling club who’ve fallen so far down the like we can’t even sign the lesser players that teams like Hull put us to shame ?
In the meantime the reds spend 100mill plus on one signing while we have to sell our best player for less than he’s worth, incredible really just how shit this club as been run for the last 10/20 years we are an embarrassment full stop

Joe McMahon
312 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:19:45

Moyes needs to quit. He's a multi millionaire and he won't want 2 relegations from the Premier League on his CV.

Tony Hughes
313 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:28:21

But, but, but, the summer transfer window will be the one we were told last January
Bollocks

Ian Jones
314 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:30:36

Rocco, referring back to your response at 180 to the earlier post of mine..in which I said we were probably stronger now than at the beginning of the window seems you may have been right to disagree. The lack of a striker clinches it...

For those that think Vardy is a possible answer, if we can move past the Rebekah Vardy vs Coleen Rooney headlines, it might be an astute short-term signing.

At this stage, we don't need another £30 million quality striker. We cannot go into half a Premier League season with one senior No.9.

Vardy could certainly teach Barry a thing or two.

Jim Bennings
315 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:40:03

Probably on New Years Day whoever is in charge or that muppet Kinnear will tell us January is a bad market to do business in.

Seems like it's not the actual window it's just that we have bad people trying to do business.

Josh Horne
316 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:45:31

Judge us once the window has closed.

You're shit.

Steve Brown
317 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:54:00

A disastrous transfer window - simply gross incompetence.

Balogun was at Finch Farm from 1pm yesterday watching our CEO and recruitment try to renegotiate the terms of his transfer and then put in bids for other strikers. WHILE HE WAS SAT IN THE BUILDING WITH HIS AGENT! No wonder the guy walked.

As Mike G says, WHO sanctioned the sale of Beto before the Balogun deal was signed and sealed.

And where was Maitland-Niles on our list of right-back targets? Above Munoz and Norton-Cuffy who were snatched up by Forest and Hull City? The ONLY reason we couldn’t get those deals done was because TFG wouldn’t front fund the deals - sell then you can buy.

Someone has to be fired as a result of this debacle - Kinnear, James Smith, Nicky “Art of the Deal” Hammond, someone.

Jim Bennings
318 Posted 02/09/2026 at 05:59:08

Did nobody at Everton actually know that Balogun had been injured since the World Cup?

It's like if I didn't know better, someone at the club decided on the last day

"I know, let's make it look like we are going to really do something here and get this deal in place to sign a striker but don't worry lads, he's fucked, once we start the medical it'll fall apart"

Honestly if I didn't know better I'd say that's exactly what has happened with our masters of bullshit.

What did they really expect to come back with the lads medical?

No wonder he walked away himself, don't blame him, probably thought we are a fucking corner shop, he'd be right.

Jon Atkinson
319 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:08:40

fkn L can I have some of what Martin Berry is drinking ?
Woke up to end of season news after two games our whole season now is about survival, no joy, no cup runs no fk all.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
320 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:09:37

At this point, just fire them all. It doesn’t matter. Any of us on Toffee Web could’ve done better.

We would’ve offered £40 million at the beginning of the window for each of the top 5 right backs in the world under age 25 who were available. Then we would’ve sold Ili for £75 million. Then we would’ve sold McNeil, Patterson, Tim and Beto for whatever we ended up getting for them. Then we would’ve bought the best £40 million striker under age 25 available. Then we all could’ve fought over whether bringing Grealish back made sense. If we’d have done those very clear and obvious things we’d have been fine. Hackney was solid but probably unnecessary with Armstrong and Rohl’s development. George was the best signing, but most of us knew that was a smart buy and would’ve done the same. And then we’d need a DM to replace Gana and we would’ve been smart enough to not buy an injured replacement.

I was in the wait-until-the-end-of-the-window camp. Well I’ve waited and the others were correct. Fuck off Dan Friedkin and Anus (pun intended) Kinnear. Our only hope is our manager who “is an Evertonian” stays and does what he does best, keeps us stable, so we can live to fight — and mourn — another day.

Benjamin Dyke
321 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:16:41

Woken up to find out about this absolute car crash of NOT GETTING A STRIKER! And just to rub it in, its the guy himself who gave up. What an absolute disgrace! And we hardly signed an established RB either, after about 4000 windows of needing one. Plus we let our back up full backs go, sold our best player for 10 m less than Savinho. Oh dear. Love to see Moyes interview today if he's still there! He was moaning like mad when we had 4 more players...

Ray Jacques
322 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:22:25

Did they not undertake due diligence, sound out the players agents weeks before to see if he was keen?. I doubt it, selling Beto with 5 hours to go without a concrete replacement and at least a contingency /alternate option is negligence.

If I performed like that at work without doubt I would be sacked.
Can you imagine the call to Utd last night at 11.30 getting Carrick out of bed, begging them to lend us Zirkzee and probably for bottom dollar.
Dont start on the 2 year search for a right back, more chance of finding the Holy Grail.
The optimism of a good start and something to build on blown aside last night.
The incompetence is actually staggering.

Ashley Roberts
323 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:28:03

TFG probably told Kinnear don’t spend a penny and bring in as much as you can from selling the Crown Jewels to make us richer!!
With NDiaye, Tim, Patterson, and Beto leaving probably raised around 100M and we spent 3M on Maitland Niles. We are now left with less players than we started and Moyes said he needed at least 4 more signings. With Anzou leaving on loan and Grealish coming on loan as well we are now 7 players short of what Moyes needed. Everton have become a complete joke of a football club as far as I can see. Even Ipswich and Hull have signed a hand full of players. So what is our problem. Somebody definitely needs to let the fans at to what is going on as this is absolutely ridiculous.

Tony Hughes
324 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:39:41

We only have 6 defenders and 1 striker at the club. Amazing window

Tony Hughes
325 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:43:26

And two of those defenders will be 34 in the next six months. The transfer policy beggars belief.

Andrew Ellams
326 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:49:10

I mean somebody, and I mean Angus Kinnear here, has to go after this. He and TFG are going to pretty much public enemy no.1 with the fans now.

With the fact that we now have to compete in the PL with a disfunctional squad and they tried to sell Harrison Armstrong I don't see how any of them can continue at Everton.

Danny Baily
327 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:53:35

I can't believe that some of those outgoings were sanctioned. Patterson and anzou should never have been allowed to leave. Absolutely inexcusable.

As for the striker situation, I wouldn't lose too much sleep over missing out on Balogun; he's not up to much, and we'd undoubtedly be struggling to move him on for less money two or three years down the line. But losing Beto, and in doing so losing our ability to make a like for like swap up top? That's inexcusable.

It's a side packed with quality elsewhere, so it's such a shame to see it go into another season so imbalanced. Were a few, cheap additions away from being competitive. How did we make such a mess of bringing in a right back?

I wonder if the fans intervention re Armstrong was the issue. Had we let Armstrong go, we might have kept Illi and brought in AMN (eventually). We might even have gotten Balogun over the line without off of the deadline day drama. I posted at the time that, while I'm happy Armstrong is staying, I was worried about our squad in the immediate term.

John Keating
328 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:55:27

I think the whole debacle comes under “You get what you deserve”

Why Clubs, including Everton, wait until the last hours of the last day to make signings is beyond me. No doubt they think Clubs will be desperate to offload and thereby save a few bob. Crazy

I’m sure Kinnear in a recent interview told us and assured us that a RB would be in place before the end of the window. I’m sure he said we would wait until our primary target was in place and we would get the man we had highlighted and not buy anyone.
So Maitland-Niles was that man ???????
An improvement on Patterson ?????

In effect we have no decent specialised RB - again
We have no cover at left back
We have no cover at centre forward. In fact we have no decent centre forward!

We do however, have a few quid in the bank.

No doubt January will arrive and we’ll be struggling to sign someone, anyone, at silly money to help save our season

It’s going to be an interesting day today hearing all the excuses why we fucked up this transfer window

Tommy Carter
329 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:58:54

A magnificent and indie for Moyes because I’ve gone from thinking he’s holding us back to me now thinking we really need his experienced to scrape us to 40 points with this threadbare and massively underequipped squad.

There is no possible way to dress this up, any team that has one single recognised striker in the Premier League is doomed. When that player is Thierno Barry - that fact is reinforced to a bulletproof level.

TFG are playing an extremely high stakes game here. An injury to Barry and/or Branthwaite (Branthwaite I’m not convinced is beyond these massive injury problems) and I struggle to see how we can possibly win any matches in this league.

Kim Vivian
330 Posted 02/09/2026 at 06:59:10

Guess Flo just didn't fancy stepping into a car crash.
Wouldn't be surprised if DM walked after this window!

Mark Steers
331 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:01:42

I looked at the free agents.

Only Anthony Martial, age 30, I can see looking for a club... desperate measures.

Ian Bennett
332 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:02:17

Well, I was furious yesterday, and id say Everton even managed to make a terrible situation, worse.

And for all you happy clappers, I hope you're pleased.

Weve finished with bar Branthwaite, and a unhappy Obrien, a championship defence.

It sounds like Norguard is out for 3 months,

Weve sold our best player.

And we have one fit striker left.

I said we were a laughing stock within football. Yesterday was exhibit 1.

A club that was disappoininted not to get europe last year, despite not choosing to back the manager last winter, has gone further by Decimating the squad in numbers, in a squad that struggled to put training on last winter.

It all ahiut Scr ian. Err no it isn't. It is about the owners refusing to pony more cash in, despite needing it. And thinking they can get away with it by selling Armstrong.

Our scr is now in the 60s per the esk, against a transitional target of 85. Yes, a transition target. And that is based on the Esk revenue of £230m, when Angus told us it was £265m.

Joke of a club, where Kenny fuckng Tete was our ambition. Dont bother rounding on Moyes, forget about derby wins and silverware. This is a club that will fail every step of the way. How can it succeed without the key bit, Quality players.

If you thought beto, patterson, Iroegbunam, and aznou weren't good enough. Try a squad without them.

Liverpool have the 3 of the 4th highest transfers in Premier league history up until yesterday. And aftet a 8 year search, we have Ainsley Maitland Niles. May as well be Ainsley Harriet all the good he will do.

Nothing but is the good enough. Yeah, not even close boys, not even close.

Steve Dowdeswell
333 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:10:59

To think someone called me a miserable mucker yesterday when I said I was worried this exact situation might happen.
Comes to something when Hull, Ipswich and Championship teams have a more successful transfer window.

Is it Sack the Board time yet?

Jonathan Oppenheimer
334 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:12:25

One thing I don’t get and don’t think will happen is Moyes walking away. Despite so much hate directed his away — much of it justified — he has us on his side right now, for the being an Evertonian comment, and also because it’s now so clear to us how incompetent the higher-ups are (even if Moyes wanting a say in everything as a lame duck likely complicated transfer dealings).

In many ways this situation is optimal for Moyes to walk out of here a legend of sorts, even if he never wins anything. At this point, if he gets us to mid-table safety with this squad, the argument almost tilts in his favor to keep him on for a couple more years for the stability of the club. I know, I get it, all the reasons to start anew.

But now he has to use his entire squad, or let’s hope he does, and if he does it while eeking out points, he’ll get the fans on his side, almost unbelievably given a week ago nearly all of us had him leaving the club end of season unless he far exceeded expectations or won something. Sadly we need him more than ever right now, and he must know that.

Leaving now would do him no good, as there’s no better job on offer, and he doesn’t care about his reputation. Say what you will about the man, but I have no doubt he loves this club. And that means staying on when we need him most.

Kim Vivian
335 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:14:21

Off topic but Messrs Roy, Diamond, Patric etc all (I exclude Michael K because I think he does a good job) can you please sort this fucking website out. Edit button doesn't work, forums full of ”/slashback/" apostrophes /” and all you successfully seem to have done is load the site up with heaps of fucking betting site shite.

I'm seeing this as an absurd metaphor for our club ownership this morning.

Pissed?. I am.

Colin Glassar
336 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:16:01

I thought these yanks were fantastic businessmen, great philanthropists, visionaries who would save our club from ruin and take us into the promised land?

Instead we ended up with Hicks and Gillette 2.0

You couldn’t make this shit up if you tried. Everton is cursed and, apparently, doomed to fail.

Mark Murphy
337 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:17:22

I don’t hate Moyes, I don’t love him either, but I would actually admire him if he walked away from this. A man of principles would. He (and we) has been badly let down by Kinnear.
Kinnear is the one who should face the fury of the fan base and I hope Moyes rains spittle on his face if they should meet in the corridors of Finch Farm this morning.

Denver Daniels
338 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:17:29

If anyone wants a laugh (or cry) go onto the official website and look up the men's first team. 3 match day keepers every week this season methinks.

Mike Hayes
339 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:19:22

Methinks Kenshite is alive and well - same shit same manager (not on him) all the hallmarks of smoke and mirrors for me 🤷

Kunal Desai
340 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:19:42

This club lurches from embarrassment to embarrassment. Has done 30 years. This is just another to add to that list.

Logic never dictates. We are irrelevant in the media, get laughed at by fans of other clubs, make headlines for the wrong reasons.

Just as well we have 4 points on the board.

Season of struggle I fear.

James Marshall
341 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:21:25

Oh dear. Not the news I was expecting to wake up to.

We're going to surely have to call up an under 21 striker to at least warm the bench till January.

Or sign Jamie Vardy.

Kunal Desai
342 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:21:31

TFG, Kinnear and the recruitment team can all do one.

John Keating
343 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:21:47

Moyes is part of the recruitment “team”
He must have been aware of the Armstrong decision
He had to have been fully aware of all of yesterday’s decisions

I do not blame Moyes individually for this debacle but he has to take part of the blame.

If Moyes had any balls he would walk today, blame it on everyone else, and enjoy his retirement
Meanwhile the rest of our recruitment team will scramble about looking for free agents and give them massive long term contracts!!

Eddie Howe still available?

Andrew Ellams
344 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:23:06

Is anybody else seeing a stretched version of the comments so you can only read half of them? I'm reading from a laptop?

Jack Convery
345 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:23:46

Admin to Hangus / Dammond. Hi guys, we've just moved a cupboard, to make way for the Trophy cabinet and found an A4 sheet of paper, that states AMN RB. Looks like it's a few years old. Is it any help to you guys,

Hangus / Dammonf - Hurrah TFFT. Give me the phone. By the way, who does he play for now ? Who is his agent ?

Jim Bennings
346 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:23:51

John

Why would Eddie Howe take the job at a club that is not all pulling in the same direction?

He had much better players at Newcastle and in the end failed.

I don't see how he'd do much with the options we have left him with now.

James Marshall
347 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:24:15

Andrew, yeah mine did that on my laptop last night. Works OK on my phone. There's another bug on TW

Andrew McLawrence
348 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:24:15

I was going to say that this leaves us with one recognised striker then I remembered that was Barry Chuckle. Omnishambles of the highest order. Moyes should just walk just out of principle.

Andrew Ellams
349 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:25:39

Thanks James, thought I was going mad.

Tony Hughes
350 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:27:51

21 first team players, three of which are keepers.
Lightweight squad. Hopefully we have no injury worries this season.

James Marshall
351 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:29:35

Keane as backup striker?

I'm being completely serious here.

Jack Convery
352 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:31:21

PNE will be looking for a new Manager soon. Could he, Would he ?

Alan McGuffog
353 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:33:08

Is Vardy available?

Mike Allison
354 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:34:46

This is about as bad as it’s been. I can remember being angry at the end of previous windows that we’d failed to make signings we clearly needed. I don’t remember ever thinking that we’d consciously made the squad smaller, weaker and older.

At one point yesterday we even turned down an offer for Michael Keane apparently.

This was supposed to be the window where we judged the recruitment team. For most of us, that means two quality options in each position and an upgrade in the quality overall. Well guess what, the judgement is that you haven’t even got a squad, let alone an improved one.

Only one option in each full back position. Keane and Tarkowski still in danger of playing alongside each other. Players sold or loaned without being replaced.

Anyone and everyone knew what we needed. We had two months to do it. Now we’re three players short of having a ‘squad’ at all and will only get through by repeatedly playing players out of position. I expect to see at least one of George, Johnson and possibly Dibling at centre-forward at some point. Garner, Röhl, Armstrong, O’Brien & possibly Branthwaite will be forced to ‘fill in’ at full-back and at some point we’ll be told “we tried, but we just couldn’t get them over the line.”

Duncan McDine
355 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:35:28

Absolutely seething. Even Mike G can see what a bunch of shitbags TFG are now... its impossible not to!

The PL is all about goals and we now have less firepower than last seasons joke of a front line. TFG tried to fuck us all over with selling Armstrong, they sold 5 players yesterday before one incoming confirmed and then the Balogun balls up was the cherry on top.

This all points to them putting Everton up for sale. Will we ever get an owner that has the club's on field success as their main goal?

James Marshall
356 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:36:09

It all seems a bit odd. Monaco also called off the deal for Camara to Chelsea. Anyone smell a rat?

Pete Neilson
357 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:39:33

By definition our crack transfer team shouldn’t have needed to learn lessons. So they didn’t. Fulham not selling Tete without adequate cover lined up didn’t strike them as the way you competently deal in the transfer market. To go into the season with just Barry as a centre forward is gross negligence. Our transfer committee doesn’t look fit for purpose.
Typically at least 40 goals are needed to even make the top 10 of the league. Hopefully Johnson can rediscover his 24/25 form.

Tony Abrahams
358 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:41:28

I think the best hope for Everton, would be if The Silent Friedkin’s, immediately put the club up for sale.

I was this morning, thinking about what we have added to the squad from the end of last season, and had drawn up a little tick list.

Johnson for McNeil - yes. Grealish for N’Diaye - no. Maitland-Niles for Patterson - is this the best they could do? Balogun for Beto - yes.

To hear the news about Balogun, eventually deciding to walk away from the deal because those clever bastard Friedkin’s, were once again haggling to save a little bit of pocket change, just highlights everything about our billionaire owners.

They get praise because this haggling “allegedly” saved the club millions on a few players, but the same people took £20 million less for N’Diaye, than our neighbours were going to receive for a player who isn’t as good.

Our neighbours incredibly refused £85 million for Gakpo, because they didn’t have a replacement, but our owners sold N’Diaye, way too cheaply because they had a lesser player coming through the door on loan.

I said the other week that these owners are no better than Kenwright, and I think a lot of people will be waking up this morning feeling exactly the same way?

I think a lot of longstanding Evertonians, will be thinking they have a dilemma. Walking away from the club, they love and leaving it in the hands of uninterested businessmen, who have bought Everton through a leveraged buy-out, and have no real interest about the heart & soul of our club, will only see Everton Football Club, go one way, but how many times can they accept being taken for idiots and constantly lied to?

Tony Hughes
359 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:41:51

"Crack recruitment team" Jesus, i'd hate it if we had a shit recruitment team.

Jason Brook
360 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:42:07

I echo the sentiment of everyone. This is the most depressing transfer window I can remember. I do not remember a squad so thin with huge holes upfront and in the fullback positions. Any injuries in those areas will cripple us.
Doubt we will ever find out what has gone on but the recruitment team are stealing a living and our stay away owners do not seem bothered. Agree with Ped on ToffeeTV, they just seem to be in it to exploit the stadium for concerts and stuff the fans

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
361 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:42:08

What an absolute shit show.

I've amended the story to include Balogun walking away but I don't think I'll bother with any follow-up as you guys have said it all in these comments.

Andrew @344, I think that problem was caused by a long Google Search link that Jack Convery posted @176. I've deleted it.

Tommy Carter
362 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:42:52

Watch - Tom Davies will sign a 1 year deal

Ray Jacques
363 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:43:12

Moysie turns up for work this morning and asks where our new centre forward is so we can get working on the Utd game at the weekend.
' Erm David we tried and tried but couldnt get it over the line, sorry'

'Ok then we will carry on with swapping Barry and Beto and make the usual change at 70 minutes when one is tired or having an off day. Is Beto sick, not seen him this morning?'

'erm David '

Nigel Scowen
364 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:47:44

And riding in on his white stallion, I give you Braiden Graham to save us from the abyss.

James Marshall
365 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:49:32

Brennan Johnson can and has played up front so perhaps that'll be the plan now as backup for Jigsaw?

Grealish and George playing the wide positions.

Raymond Fox
366 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:49:50

The problem is that bastard Balogun led us up the garden path and then refused to come, thanks very much fella.
So what are we going to do if Barry is injured, which is a near certainty with his build.
Are we that desperate for cash that we let Beto go before we had definitely signed another replacement, that's a cock up of the highest order. There should be sackings or resignations for this mess, because this potentially could get us relegated and I'm not kidding.
Moyes will be going bonkers as we don't really have a kid that's 100% ready to step up and play up front.

Tommy Carter
367 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:50:45

We should seriously be considering some free transfer options here. Just for numbers and experience

Yves Bissouma, Raphael Guerreiro are the stand out options for me.

Then in all seriousness, some kind of gamble on a striker. Icardi has always been a goalscorer and is not at the worst age. He’s better than nobody.

Alan McGuffog
368 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:51:02

Why would the young lad want to stick around this hidden? He'll be off " across the park" or to Old Trafford asap

Steve Shave
369 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:51:24

I consider myself a pretty positive person and for that reason alone I don't dwell too much on TW these days as I find the negativity depressing. However this was a pure and unadulterated shit show from start to finish! My local village mens football team wouldn't dream of starting the season with one striker and two full backs so why has a premier league team done so?

Letting Beto, Aznou and Patto leave without back up was utterly negligent. If they'd stayed it wouldn't be looking so bad. I won't go on to repeat what many have already said here.

We must find a couple of free signings now, also aren't we able to buy from the Saudi and Turkish markets for a few weeks? From the free's i'd like Icardi. I feel for Moyes and hope this gets people off his back a little.

Who knows, maybe this galvanises us and the crowd gets behind Keane or George playing as makeshift striker? Now I really am being overly optimistic, its a shambles lets face it.

Jack Convery
370 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:51:56

Michael if it was my search I apologies. I was trying to play the Spike Milligan - What are we going to now sketch !

Jimmy Carr
371 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:52:18

I read the news today
Oh boy ….

James Marshall
372 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:55:42

Vardy, Icardi, Keane, Brennan, Braiden Graham.

Those seem like our options.

Andrew Ellams
373 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:55:55

Steve @ 369, a lot of the negativity on this site is realism as the last few days has proven once again.

Andrew Ellams
374 Posted 02/09/2026 at 07:59:58

If I was a young player at Everton I'd be contacting my agent today and saying get me the hell out of here.

Jay Hughes
375 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:01:31

My guess is that his medical showed he once had an injury (wow) so Everton tried to change the deal so he would be on reduced wages if out injured. Balogun’s not having it.
Just my guess as nothing else makes sense.
Rather have the ball boy playing up front than Zirkzee though.

Mike Doyle
376 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:02:47

I see that the 1878s have put out a statement stating they are standing down from putting on flag displays at the ground. They’ve had enough- can’t say I blame them.

Frank Fearns
377 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:07:16

Vardy!!!!! Gawd help us.

Missed out on Fleming who Ipswich snaffled up for £20 million. Bargain.

Another shambles -- backs to the wall.

Ian Bennett
378 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:08:12

1. Mykolenko
2. Keane
3. Branthwaite
4. Tarkowski
5. Rohl
6. Hackney
7. Armstrong
8. Dewesbury hall
9 Barry
10 johnson
11 dibling
12 george
13. Grealish
14 alcaraz
15 garner
16 obrien
17 maitland niles

Seventeen fit outfield players until Christmas. At our best, the match day squad will contain 3 goal keepers.

I assume with the inevitable 4 or 5 injuries, perhaps more when we are running them into the ground, the match day squad will be lucky to put out an eleven.

“I speak to the Friedkins every day. And I would say 90% of our topics of conversation are how we win more football matches.”

"I know David [Moyes] believes that this season he can go one step further and start to achieve something really tangible on the pitch."

Ill have a tenner that he doesn't think thst. Ill have a tenner that he is raging.

Denver Daniels
379 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:10:04

Steve #369, Patterson was the only right back in the squad but he couldn't even get a game and was probably 4th choice. He needed shifting, probably last season already. Moyes is going to have to make chicken salad out of chicken shit, that's for sure.

Stan Grace
380 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:10:28

Bill #297,
"It was not often you heard of a player turning down the opportunity to join Everton but it is happening."
Just checked on that point and found these example. The Leroy Fer one in particular is very similar to the Balogun case.

Michael Essien (2002)
Mikael Forssell (2004)
Miloš Krasić (2012)
Leroy Fer (2013)
Álvaro Negredo (2013)
Moussa Sissoko (2016)
Olivier Giroud (2017)
Kamaldeen Sulemana (2023)
Arnaut Danjuma (2023)

Kunal Desai
381 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:11:01

The only one with any common sense out of all this is Balogun himself.

He probably saw right through the circus of a recruitment team and club.

Alan McGuffog
382 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:13:07

Moyes..." you're a square peg, here's a round hole for you " seems to.be coming out of all this smelling of roses ?

Jack Convery
383 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:14:00

Free Agents as of 02/09/2026

Mauro Icardi CF, Age 33. Last played 90 minutes 17/05/26 for Galatsaray. He was their Captain. in 25/26 he played 47 games ( 2093 mins ), scored 16 goals with 3 assists.

Jamie Vardy CF, Age 39. Last played 90 minutes 24/05/2026 for Cremonese. In 25/26 he played 29 games ( 2108 mins ), scored 7 goals with 3 assists.

I suggest we offer both these players a 1 year contract, with an option of a second, depending on performance. We cannot go into the rest of the season with just Barry up front. We have little choice, given the cock up of this window,

Nigel Scowen
384 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:14:38

It better be a busy January window with a striker and two full backs lined up

Not holding my breath

Andrew Ellams
385 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:15:51

I'd be very surprised Nigel unless they're spending a few quid to back a new manager at that point.

Ajay Gopal
386 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:16:08

I woke up this morning to this shocking news and still trying to process it. A few thoughts:
1. Kinnear must go now definitely. His blunders with respect to the proposed Armstrong sale and the Balogun fiasco are enough reasons to fire him,
2. If Kevin Thelwell is available, TFG should go all out to bring him back, because he made some decent acquisitions under very tough circumstances. I am sure that he would be able to repair the damage to some extent in the January transfer window.
3. TFG are under the spotlight now - they are not showing up very well. Their continued stand-offish stance and communicating through their mouth-piece is not going to cut it. Speak up or get out!
4. I have opposed Moyes' continuation beyond his present contract, and in fact was keen that he be replaced in the summer, but I feel bad for his position right now. He is probably in a far worse condition than at anytime under Kenwright. At least BK would try and get him what was affordable and I think those 2 had complete transparency between them. Now Moyes doesn't know what funds are being made, which players are to be sold, nothing. If Moyes were to resign now, we would be in real trouble.

Tommy Carter
387 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:17:53

@380

Both Stan Collymore and Chris Armstrong knocked us back in the summer of 1995 when we were FA cup holders and Royle was looking to strengthen our attack.

Shearer the following summer - although he didn’t even enter into negotiations with us.

Kendall the following summer could t get home the signing of Ravanelli.

On each occasion there was either no alternative brought in or a much poorer option.

Pete Neilson
388 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:19:48

Pretty well summed up by Henry Winter.

“At the very least, Everton owe their frustrated fans some form of explanation for that chaotic, embarrassing and deeply disappointing transfer window. Yes, Jack’s back and Maitland-Niles is in (and earlier Hackney+). But The Friedkin Group, the club’s CEO Angus Kinnear and the recruitment committee owe it to fans - the lifeblood of the club - to justify/clarify/apologise for a situation which saw Balogun not sign, a star like Ndiaye leave, Beto go, Armstrong almost sold, and failed late attempts for Kirkzee, Abraham and Tete (nb also reluctance from their clubs).

Were they hoping for the Armstrong money to get players in? Or was it simply poor organisation, leaving things late? Everton look incredibly short of quality and numbers in attack and at full-back. So much to admire about Everton - manager, fanbase, stadium, academy, players like Pickford, Branthwaite, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall, Armstrong etc. But that was a poorly-handled transfer window and Everton fans have every right to be frustrated.”

Lewis Barclay
389 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:20:04

Braiden Graham.

Braiden Graham.

Braiden Graham.

Tony Abrahams
390 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:22:16

Andrew @373, in a nutshell mate. What doesn’t sit well though is people like Mike, calling people who can see right through these current owners.

Don’t criticise or offer up anything that some people will automagically label as negative. Common sense is dying across all walks of society, and if Evertonians, don’t wake up and smell the coffee, things are only going to getting darker and darker, for Everton Football Club.

Mike@376, my views are mixed, I don’t want anything whatsoever to do with these uninterested leveraged Friedkin’s, but I don’t want Everton, to suffer any longer with bad owners.

I can leave going the match now but I think the players need us. My initial reaction is to suggest that people don’t purchase anything from Everton Football Club, but match tickets. Boycott the merchandise and boycott buying anything whatsoever inside the stadium, would be a starting point imo.

Nigel Scowen
391 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:22:23

Barry and Braiden Graham it’s over to you.

Gulp!!!!

Jimmy Carr
392 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:25:41

Ajay (385) I was gutted when Thelwell was removed. He had a couple of dodgy moments but he had a plan and made some great signings. I sensed Moyes’s fingerprints all over his departure as he wouldn’t work with a DoF. No idea where he is now, would love to see it happen, but doubt it will as that would be a good move, and we don’t make good moves.

Raymond Fox
393 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:25:42

Apart from one centre forward we are also left with one right and left back, it's that ridiculous it takes the breath away. I said before that this could get us relegated it's that serious.
I can't believe that Moyes is involved in this charade, there's no way he would sanction this mess, this is down to the 'experts' above him.
We have one or two makeshift right backs still I suppose but this is not how to run a Prem. club.
Someone in charge of this mess should be sacked and it's surely not Moyes.

James Marshall
394 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:27:49

If Maitland-Niles gets injured we'll be fine - we've got loads of people who've played right back 😂

Nigel Scowen
395 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:29:18

Can Aznou get recalled if Myko gets injured?

Tony Hughes
396 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:29:43

We also should have brought in another centre back as well.
Tarkowski and Keane are approaching 34 years old and on past history we quite likely won't get a full season from Branners.
If Mykolenko gets injured then Branners will have to cover him, such a shitshow.

Paul Griffiths
397 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:30:23

Stan Grace 380 - Olivier Giroud (2017)

To be fair Stan, that was the missus.

Andrew Ellams
398 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:32:33

The club needs a board to manager clear out but realistically we all know that on this day next year when we're all complaining about another shocking transfer window the only one gone will be Moyes.

Jack Convery
399 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:32:42

Free agents

Defenders

Ricardo Rodriguez Age 34. LB who can play CB. Current Swiss Int. In 25/26 he played for Real Betis. Played 35 games. Last played 90 minutes on 12/07/26, against Argentina in World Cup Q/Final and got an assist. As with my suggestions for CF, I believe we need to go after this guy before someone else does. He would provide more than cover for Myko, His versatility to play LCB helps too.

Tony Abrahams
400 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:33:38

The best thing that David Moyes could do today Raymond, would be to put out a statement saying he his retiring at the end of the season. The only reason he his not walking out today, is because he thinks the people in charge, have left the club in a terrible position, and he doesn’t think it would be fair on the fans if he left now.

I now understand what Sean Dyche said, when he thought he had taken the club as far as he could but I owe it to The Evertonians, to stay and fight right now.

Stu Gre
401 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:34:42

The cynical side of me says this transfer window highlights why TFG brought in and stuck by Moyes. They need someone who enjoys working with a small squad because they are more interested in revenue and profits than performance on the pitch.

In fact I'd go so far as to say this is a good window for Moyes. He's brought in some experienced players and got rid of deadwood and if it all goes tits up, which I don't think it will, the anger will rightly be against the owners.

This has a real feeling of the Kenwright era under Moyes. We have some talented players with some oldies, nearly bought some other players but kept the squad small enough for Moyes to manage.

Yes we'd like another striker, but I'm not convinced Balogun was the answer, more of an American owners pick.

We're back to Moyes Mk1. For those who want stability but no real chance of innovation and progress, I think we've got it. Top 8 probably. That's not me being optimistic, it me being depressingly realistic.

Top 8 might seem like progress, but when that's your next 10 years best result, no trophies but guaranteed to be with the pack chasing the chasing pack it's all a bit meh to me.

Get in the hole you Taffymen. he shoots he (doesn't) scores, put it in the basket, go defense!

Steve Cotton
402 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:34:59

Danny Ings on a free?? yes he is past it and he hates us but its him or Jordan Ayew..

Chris Jones (Burton on Trent)
403 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:36:40

Several people have suggested Jamie Vardy as a stop gap. Sorry but I read yesterday he's signed for one year with Wrexham.

Paul Griffiths
404 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:37:04

The worst window in living memory for me, because for once we dared to have expectations.

We finished on the last day with a 4M full-back who, fecking liar Kinnear, was not top of our list, and a pisshead who in wages will cost us around 11,600,000 quid, before we add on silly high bonuses etc. He will get injured. He will get pissed. He is thirty-one-years-old next week.

Kinnear might think, I think, that Pisshead will assuage fans boiling at the failures and blatant incompetencies of an erm 'ace' recruitment team and world-class diagnostics.

This doddering recruitment team made some very bad decisions that have put our club - not theirs - in a precarious situation. Through the sheer incompetence of Hammond and Kinnear we are now left – I can’t even believe that I am typing – we are left with one – ONE – striker who some call Bambi. And please do not insult me/others by saying well we tried to get a striker in but ……. Hammond and Kinnear put their eggs in the last-day basket. Absolutely shocking. We should have picked up a striker weeks ago. How could they have sanctioned the sales of Beto and Ndiaye?

I, what a fool I am, had thought a crack recruitment team and world-class diagnostics was put together to precisely put an end to our last-day desperate acrobatics. How wrong was I, though to be fair I've spend the last months warning that this could happen but I had others on here telling me to be 'patient' and stop blubbering.

Kinnear should be sacked. Hammond should be sacked.

No other PL team did not buy someone not already in England or has only one erm 'striker'.

Thank you TFG. Thank you Hammond and Kinnear you utter incompetents.

In brighter news, Saint Daniel-the-Mental-Money-Licking-Absent, made a tasty and tidy profit on the last day. His nice dividend is smelling like roses for this year.

Allan Board
405 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:38:10

Well, only EFC can do that. Been screwing our fans over for 30 years. Now these Yanks are at it. Moyes won't quit- and he has a free pass from me now- however, more square pegs in round holes all over this team again. Consider this folks- A PL Football Team which has only ONE STRIKER IN ITS SQUAD. The relevance of his ability, and the one you sold are of course irrelevant- just like Everton Football Club. Yanks know fuck all about football- as this, and the pathetic WC proved beyond doubt. Just give us your money, and let us Brits sort the footy. Some lucky fella starts forward training today- but they're a midfield player. Our club being used as a concert venue and fleecing fans. This is going tits up fellas. Good luck Davie, you're gonna need it pal.

Raymond Fox
406 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:42:43

I think Moyes will not be here next season one way or another Tony, his next statements on this mess will be very interesting and enlightening.

David West
407 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:42:58

At 1 point it was all looking so good.
How they let it come to this is ridiculous.
Why didn't they go back for Richie, ?
Where was the 2nd 3rd 4th options?

We agree with clubs for players, (tete) only for them to say "if we get a replacement in "
Not everton, we just let players leave and close our eyes and make a wish, and hope for the best.
Utd won't let zirkzee leave, he's about 5th choice and not getting a sniff, just in case.
So amateur.

Has Barry ever even played a full 90mins ?

Paul Tran
408 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:43:09

I always judge a transfer window when it closes.

Good to move on some clearly redundant players. That's the good bit done.

Villa have to sell players to stay compliant too. They replace them. We don't.

I'm always wary of 'executives' spouting stuff like 'world class recruitment team' like a bad Apprentice contestant.

Under-promise, over-deliver, Angus, not the other way round.

It'll be interesting to see how our 'management' react to this breathtaking display of total incompetence.

Nick Page
409 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:47:14

Bring back Enner Valencia

Stu Gre
410 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:49:07

PG 404, I originally read that as Monkey-licking. I guess we'll never know the truth.

Paul Griffiths
411 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:51:45

One thing PT mate, 408, the coward Kinnear will not make a public statement. I have never ever felt so alienated from 'the club' as I do today. Thank God for us, the fans, especially the Vitality heroes and heroines who managed to stop yet more TFG greed and madness.

Lewis Barclay
412 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:52:58

It does make me laugh a little how quickly it went from: Barry, Balogun and Richie and possibly Beto being “too many” to: Barry.

Barry is going to get a lot of minutes between now and January.

Paul Griffiths
413 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:54:03

Stu, either works mate. Either way, I wanna kick him in the nuts, if they have them in oily Texas

Paul Griffiths
414 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:56:44

Dexy's have a boss song called 'Plan B'. Unlike Kinnear's 'Plan B'.

Eric Myles
415 Posted 02/09/2026 at 08:59:00

Raymond #406, set to replace Angus maybe.

If TFG didn't plan this and it went all tits up 'cos of bad management then they should be sacking Kinnear.

James Marshall
416 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:01:08

I've said it already but Brennan Johnson is going to have to be played up front. He's played there before and can finish.

Ged Simpson
417 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:02:30

Blue fans will always turn up assumption by owners. So is it financially more lucrative to have a full ground but less player wages in the Championship? This window seems a first step on that strategy.

The error would be the assumption that we would still fill the ground every week. Surely we are not that naive and daft.

Mick O\\\'Malley
418 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:08:59

I read a post yesterday that said the Tupac murder was solved before Everton signed a right back, which I thought was rather amusing
I for one am glad that we have resigned Grealish, really don't give a toss that he likes a bevvy, if he shows up on the pitch like he did last season before the injury he can drink til his heart is content
Surely we now need to scour the out of contract market, Mauro Icardi on a short term contract to see if he can earn a longer one, we have nothing to lose, or Braiden Graham is going to have to be trusted by Moyes for some cameo performances

Paul Tran
419 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:09:19

These people never do, Paul. I'm not interested in anything these people say, don't care if they don't go to matches. I care about what they do. And what they're doing at the moment is very, very poor, both for the fans and as a business.

If I showed this level of competence in my business, I wouldn't have one.

We'll soon see how ruthless these people are, won't we?

Paul Griffiths
420 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:11:08

Kinnear and Hammond Eric mate, but they won't. What a twat of a situation we are in because of these two incompetents. Balogun, Abrahams, and Kirkzee FFS all turned us down on the last day. TFG and their hires have turned us into a laughing stock.

Ged Simpson
421 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:11:22

Paul 411: whilst I agree to some extent with your "Thank God for us, the fans," comment, my worry is that in todays game we are just so easily exploited and just watch one rich money maker sell the club to another.

I see little other future unless there are mass demonstrations around the ground and not just for one week. Whilst I won't pay one penny to the club/owners right now, I would attend those though suspect owners would try and charge for attending a demonstration.

Tommy Carter
422 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:11:39

@ Jimmy 392

Thelwell seemed like an astute and calm operator. He helped us navigate through some awful times behind the scenes.

Apart from Beto I can’t see any signings he made that were a financial disaster. And we’ve even recouped most of what we paid for him in the midst of a dwindling contract.

Garner, N’Diaye, Gana, Tarkowski, O’Brien - all successful.

Onana gave us a good financial return and I think we even somehow made money on Cherniti.

Maupay was a blot but that wasn’t mega money and Lampard obviously gave him the remit of a forward with premier league experience and track record which limited his options.

Eric Myles
423 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:12:30

Stan #380, was it Leroy Fer that was at Goodison with Chairman Bill and shook hands agreeing to sign for us, then went to someone else?

Tommy Carter
424 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:14:43

@416 James

We will see Merlin Rohl playing up top before we see Brennan Johnson there on his own.

Moyes will almost certainly deploy Rohl there in a similar way he did for a mid table team 17 years ago.

Paul Griffiths
425 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:15:08

Spot on PT.

Ian Wilkins
426 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:15:41

In any form of normal circumstances ( how can you call TFG ownership normal) then Kinnear would be sacked. Simple as.
I don’t think he has the decency to resign.
Problem is, he and his recruitment team are very much acting under TFG instruction, they’re following the playbook.

TFG are business people who think their business dealings apply to the football world, when as yesterday and this shit show of a window shows, they don’t. They don’t understand football.

No club would be left in this mess if they did. Nobody sells in football before the replacement is in place. Nobody has a PL squad of this size with these glaring gaps.
It’s amateur. But it’s worse than that it’s exactly how the Esk described it. Its Owners intent on Building an Asset but with no intention of Building a football team.
Aspirations for Asset growth, no aspirations for challenging on pitch.
This is what you get, and boy have we got it.

Like it or not we need Moyes now. His backs to the wall mentality. This is not his doing. He told us as much. His demeanour told us he thought the transfer window was a mess.

Find a route with Alcaraz in false nine, or George or Johnson.
Graham is miles away from first team and generally he plays wide for the U21’s.
Scour the non contracted market, as embarrassing as that is.

Don’t expect an apology. Don’t expect any communication. Don’t expect any decency.
And thanks to all the happy clappers here who support this bunch of amateurs, telling the rest of us we’re all moaners when it’s clear as day what’s going on.

Stan Grace
427 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:16:14

Ian #378,
While I agree with the majority viewpoint today, I just wanted to put some context to your list:
1. Mykolenko
2. Keane
3. Branthwaite
4. Tarkowski
5. Rohl
6. Hackney (Iroegbunam)
7. Armstrong
8. Dewsbury Hall
9 Barry
10 Johnson (Ndiaye)
11 Dibling
12 George
13. Grealish
14 Alcaraz
15 Garner
16 O'Brien
17 Maitland Niles (Patterson)
When fit...
18 Norgaard (Gueye)

Aznou and Beto are the two not replaced. The first hardly played last season, while most fans got frustrated with the latter and his being continually swapped for Barry or vice versa. I think most fans would prefer a change in tactics/formation rather than swapping one centre forward for another.

I believe Moyes only used 20 players in total in the league last year and has always been known to prefer to use a small pool of players.

I'm really frustrated we didn't get more (and better quality) players. The Friedkins, Kinnear and his team are making too many bad decisions currently and need to address this, though I won't hold my breathe waiting for a response from any of them. Nevertheless, the case of Leroy Fer demonstrates that last night's Baloguncase was not unique.

I'm still strangely optimistic about this season and beyond, despite a very poor end to the transfer window.

Should I put my helmet and Balogun-proof vest on now?

Paul Griffiths
428 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:19:40

No, you're a nice antidote Stan mate - 427.

Eric Myles
429 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:20:35

Icardi's name keeps coming up and I always liked him when he played for Inter but we need to set the team up to play to his strenghs.

Instead we're going to be set up for a backs to the wall defence with no serious strikers, and I don't see Icardi tracking back and defending.

Denver Daniels
430 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:21:25

The panic move for Zirkzee though (5 goals in 56) utter desperation.

Paul Griffiths
431 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:22:17

Ipswich signed Flemming FFS

Andy Meighan
432 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:24:19

Lets be honest, weve got previous with this.

Think Mueller, Ravinelli etc also weve got history with signing players who are injured, and who's to say when this yank would have played.

My question is what's our aim for this season with only one striker on the books, is it survival because with a squad as thin as ours we aren't going to be troubling the European spots, and you wouldnt trust these clowns to sign anyone in Jan, not a good time ( yawn).

As I and many on here have stated no lover of Moyes but my god he's been well and truly shafted by these bastards, he must be seething this morning and who'd blame him.

Everton FC letting you down since 1878.

Ian Wilkins
433 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:26:25

You can see Moyes now at Finch Farm..
“Alan you count them, you count them, I’m only getting 19, we haven’t got enough for 11 a side”…

Andy Meighan
434 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:30:40

Oh and meant to post, weve been left without a right back, because Maitland Niles has stated he's a midfielder, so once again thanks a bunch Angus...liar.

Tommy Carter
435 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:32:24

@432 Andy. He may not have played. He may have been garbage. We will never know. But having the option to see if this isn’t the case is better than no options at all.

How can we try and win games without strikers?

Keith Harrison
436 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:35:41

Some of the players remaining are mightily pissed off with the situation also.

Inexcusable business to leave us with one recognised - average - full back. Half a striker. Our best player replaced by an absolute pisshead. 18 outfield players - when fit.

It's time for that Riot the best and longest suffering fans in the world threatened last Saturday.

Sell up now TFG, and lets have some proper, caring ownership instead of the Glasers/Gillette and Hicks type US business model we have. And don't get me started on fecking Cauliflower pies!! The opening match experience was a disgrace.

Paul Griffiths
437 Posted 02/09/2026 at 09:44:16

Completely agree Keith, 436. I really do hope that there is some sort of reaction on Sunday. Easy for me to say as I will not be there. But these failures of owners need to be made aware if only for our sanity. Surprised they didn't offer Jarrad to top 6 clubs. Twats.

John Williams
438 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:05:23

Start looking on the positive side. many on here have said, change the system from having a big fella with two left feet, too a more mobile forward.
If we have creators, then more goals from KDH, Johnson, George.
Grealish and Garner providing the chances, along with Armstrong and Hackney.
I believe we have a better squad, I may not like the owners, but I don t have to bash them everyday.
January is just around the corner.
By the way, I am not sure I would want to do business with Monaco and certainly Chelsea will be giving them a miss as well, a club not to do business with.

Terry McLavey
439 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:05:39

No surprise for transfer shambles, same every year! It shows friedkin's have only one priority, Roma. Moyes will have to play the youth,which he won't of course, same old same old!

Rob Hooton
440 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:11:38

There goes any hope of a cup run. Most teams field most of their second string in the earlier rounds, we barely have a first team now.

Heads should roll, but we know they won’t.

Andy Meighan
441 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:15:56

Tommy you're right, but knowing Everton and our track record of signing injured players, how much game time would he have got.

That said this whole thing has been a downright embarrassment, and ive woke up earlier to plenty of messages from those snides across the park, nearly everyone of them wouldn't know where Anfield was.

Just feel so deflated, but at least Stan Grace's post has lifted my mood...a bit.

Paul Griffiths
442 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:17:07

John Williams, we have a better squad. You know very little about football lad. Unbelievable. But I admire your massively minority position. Sort of.

Rocco Bugaj
443 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:20:50

According to my calculations, AS Roma (with a net transfer deficit of €103.7 million) is clearly TFG's priority. We have a net transfer surplus of €26.2 million. Let's hope we can make something of that.

Paul Griffiths
444 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:21:28

Andy, mate, thank fuck I left Liverpool, but I miss it so much, to escape that shite, but it still happens here in Chicago mate. Deflated is perfect, burst expectations, that those twats, yellow Kinnear with his 'Plan B', fucking raised. But now? Kinnear and Hammond are utter twats, but they will keep their jobs.

David West
445 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:28:41

I don't really see it as TFG at fault.
Dan isn't the one running round at at 10.50 begging utd & villa to give us players.

They are in charge, its their name above the door, so if they don't now look and see who's responsible for potentially ruining the season, derailing the progress and just making them,TFG look like amateurs and taking action to make sure this can't happen again, then how can they make anyone belive they are serious about making a success.

We were led to believe TFG are a slick, ruthless, well oiled machine.

Today, they need to prove it!
Show us !
Take action!

Tommy Carter
446 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:33:27

@441 I don’t know Andy. Maybe not much but if Barry gets injured then Moyes would have no choice but to play him. If he gets injured now then we have no choices whatsoever.

Don’t get me wrong - there’ll be a huge part of Moyes that will be delighted with what’s happened. Expectation lifted and removed completely.

Can’t get a result at Anfield? Knocked out of cup competitions early? Putting in a series of dreadful performances at the Hill Dickinson like last season? Well he can blame recruitment for all of that.

Plucky performances? Impressive victories? He can take sole responsibility for these because the club were badly let down and he’s performing miracles.

All the old boys in the media will be guffawing and back slapping at every point he collects throughout the season. All along it keeps him employed at a football club, the likes of the size of which he would get absolutely nowhere near should he be left searching for a job elsewhere. And it preserves the self generated and perpetuated mystique that he’s actually a top manager.

Mark Taylor
447 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:36:55

Had we got the Balogun deal over the line (or not sold Beto) you might have been able to make a case that this was an OK window, albeit leaving the squad perilously light. But that glaring failure tipped the balance and the last minute flailing with Zirkzee was nothing short of embarrassing.

The big problem for me has been Kinnear overselling and underdelivering which is maybe how marketing people are set up to operate but then maybe they shouldn't be running a football club. In the end we had a negative spend of some £30m or so. It was only ever going to be a net spend of around £10m which would have put us near the bottom of the spending league.

A quote from Moyes from a week or so ago sticks in my head:

"we certainly feel behind the scenes that we’ve got a long way to go and need to do an awful lot more.”

Since that point we added 2 players and lost 5. I imagine that wasn't what he meant.

Ian Wilkins
448 Posted 02/09/2026 at 10:46:27

Dan may not be the one at ten to 11 offering to pay all Zirkzees’s wages plus a loan fee, to the tune of £10m …
But he is the one setting the business model objectives and targets for how Everton football club will be run, and that is how we ended up offering United £10m for a clown for a season..
That said I doubt his instructions include sell your back up striker first and then go sort your replacement. Nobody is that stupid…

Kim Vivian
449 Posted 02/09/2026 at 11:11:43

It is (was) a fine balance as to which was our back up striker. Barry was certainly that man last season and Beto took second choice this year. They were both equally shite in their own ways, and it's pretty safe to assume that whoever we might have got in, Baz would have been relegated back to second choice.

It defies belief that we seem to have ended up with just one backup striker as our only CF option.

Are we the only club without a no. 9?

David West
450 Posted 02/09/2026 at 11:17:25

Ian. Exactly, they're appointing people they believe can make the decisions for them.
If they believe this is exceptable, there'll be no change, no repercussions.

If this is seen by TFG as big a mess as it is to Evertoinians, someone needs to be held responsible, set a precident, send a message that this won't be tolerated.

Actions speak louder than words, many want to hear from Dan & TFG, but I'd rather they say fuck all and be ruthless and hold people accountable, show they mean business.
I'd take that over some bland statement from TFG.

Raymond Fox
451 Posted 02/09/2026 at 11:44:12

Stan @427, that's a good list of players and I was feeling optimistic before this fiasco, but what happens when we get injuries or sendings-off which will surely happen in the positions where we have no ready made substitutes?

Sure we can put in a body in that position but it's asking for trouble, it's totally floored our season, and I'm sorry to say it's going to be survival that will be our aim.

Si Cooper
452 Posted 02/09/2026 at 12:06:33

John Williams (438), what on earth is your gripe with Monaco?

They obviously only needed to sell one player to balance their books so why would they sell two and weaken their squad unnecessarily?

They were happy to sell Balogun to us so declined Chelsea's offer for their other player, and did all they could to make the Balogun deal happen, including restructuring it at the ‘eleventh hour'.

We messed the player around so much he did what he decided was right for himself and walked away, ultimately leaving 3 disappointed clubs. This is our fuck-up not Monaco's, so don't be so petulant and try to make out they were the problem.

Stan Grace
453 Posted 02/09/2026 at 12:41:14

Raymond #451,

As you say, our small squad will be affected if several get injured or suspended. Nevertheless, last season, we got by without Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye and Gana for several games and Grealish for almost half a season.

I think we all need to wait and see results-wise, but at the same time make our feelings known to the club owners and executives in whatever way we can.

Nigel Scowen
454 Posted 02/09/2026 at 12:56:04

John @438,

What are you talking about, John? ‘We have a better squad now'???

We have one ‘striker', one right-back and one left-back. It could easily be the case that we are forced to play 2 makeshift full-backs and an untested Braiden Graham up front in the Premier League. It's a complete calamity, mate.

Ajay Gopal
455 Posted 02/09/2026 at 13:14:10

I like Stan's posts (427 and 453) because at least he is trying to offer solutions, even if it is only to comfort ourselves. I am surprised that Alcaraz hasn't been mentioned as a possible solution to our striker situation. He didn't have a good season last year, but I remember him scoring a lovely head goal against Newcastle and thought to myself that he should be used as a striker more often. Use him as a 'false 9', With players like Grealish, George, Johnson, Alcaraz and Dibling across our front 4, we should worry a few teams.

Against Manchester United, this team doesn't necessarily fill me with dread:

Barry
Grealish Dewsbury-Hall George
Armstrong Garner
Mykolenko Branthwaite Tarkowski O'Brien
Pickford

SUBS Bench: Travers, Keane, O'Brien, Maitland-Niles, Rohl, Hackney, Dibling, Johnson, Alcaraz (Norgaard not available)

Rob Hooton
456 Posted 02/09/2026 at 13:32:15

I’ll just be happy if we avoid a relegation battle again this season after that shit show.

Next season we will need 2 x CB’s, an RB and LB (unless Aznou comes back ready to play) and 2 x CF’s. Perhaps some can be addressed in January, a notoriously difficult time to improve a team…

Raymond Fox
457 Posted 02/09/2026 at 13:42:44

Ajay, what happens if Mykolenko or Barry is injured, O'Brien is not a full back neither is Rohl.
I'm all for putting a brave face on it but we have gone from what I thought was an optimistic position to relegation worries again. The Prem. is very difficult enough without starting off half cocked.
Have a look what the BBC are saying on their sports web page.

Andrew Bentley
458 Posted 02/09/2026 at 13:55:47

Interesting feedback from the Monaco sporting director today on the Balogun transfer debacle. Where’s the statement from our club explaining what went wrong?!?!

On the BBC:
Basically, Balogun's position was: 'I'm not feeling comfortable with the way the club treated me. I'm not comfortable with the doubts raised about my future or my health. I have no issue, so I'm not comfortable signing a contract here.

Well done Angus and team. Way to make someone feel special and want to join the club. This is a guy who has flown over and had already agreed personal terms so was obviously keen to join - what the hell did they do to him whilst he was there?!?!

Alastair Donaldson
459 Posted 02/09/2026 at 14:06:28

That's a damning indictment. Fair play to the player for walking away though, it must have been a huge disappointment for him.

The new signings are all sound imho but this whole 11th hour madness, especially when you've had 2 months at least to make deals is driving some really poor decisions and isn't how business should be run.

On the departures, players are better off moved out if they're not happy or feel they will do better elsewhere by either playing regularly (Beto, Patterson, Tim) or getting better paid (Ndiaye) so the exits have been okay in my view.

So we're down on numbers, but up on the quality overall.. I guess our physios are gonna be busy!

Alastair Donaldson
460 Posted 02/09/2026 at 14:06:28

That's a damning indictment. Fair play to the player for walking away though, it must have been a huge disappointment for him.

The new signings are all sound imho but this whole 11th hour madness, especially when you've had 2 months at least to make deals is driving some really poor decisions and isn't how business should be run.

On the departures, players are better off moved out if they're not happy or feel they will do better elsewhere by either playing regularly (Beto, Patterson, Tim) or getting better paid (Ndiaye) so the exits have been okay in my view.

So we're down on numbers, but up on the quality overall.. I guess our physios are gonna be busy!

Andrew Ellams
461 Posted 02/09/2026 at 14:13:47

Andrew @458, you read this and then you read about Sunderland's owners flying to France to meet Malick Fofana in person to convince him to join them over Crystal Palace and you see how far we are behind the rest of the league.

These owners are going to do more damage than Moshiri did if we let them.

Benjamin Dyke
462 Posted 02/09/2026 at 14:52:45

Jim White says Balogun himself and Monaco need to share some of the blame as Balogun got a later flight than planned and Monaco were aware of the issue that showed up in the medical. Who knows! But it highlights the risk of putting all our eggs in one basket as we can't afford 2 baskets or 2 loads of eggs!

Jack Convery
463 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:08:27

If Dan Friedkin does not sack Kinnear I will be very surprised. He's the CEO and must carry the can for whats gone. It was a shit show and made one of his Companys look amateur in the extreme.

Balogun, suffered an ankle injury in May 2025 and missed 2 games. Last season he missed 2 games with an injury, Calf / Dead Leg. He played 43 games in all and then played ib the World Cup.

Monaco have played 4 games already this season but Balogun has not played in any of them. Did we not ask why he wasn't being played ?

Si Cooper
464 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:21:35

Benjamin (462), I’d say the later flight and delayed paperwork were lesser contributions to the way things panned out than an obsession with haggling on our side, which Balogun obviously found unsettling.

We had already allowed Beto to sign for someone else so unless there were real concerns that were totally unexpected the pillocks should have put their egos to one side and just got the deal signed and sealed.

If there were genuine concerns that didn’t come to light until really late in the day then EFC should be clearly stating what they were. To me the silence is telling.

Jeff Spiers
465 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:29:10

Billy's smart circus back to haunt us

Iain Johnston
466 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:50:46

Jack the reason he wasn't played was because he was earmarked to be sold to satisfy the French FA's financial rules. The only issue they say he has is a lack of 'conditioning' due to his extended time off after the World Cup.
The club touted his name to everyone during the competition. Monaco would have continued to renegotiate if it meant getting the deal over the line.
For me, this is all down to the attitude of our club owners, trying to work the head as they're aware of Monaco's financial situation.

As an aside, Mourinho said a few years ago that the Friedkins treat people like shite. Clearly he said it a little more eloquently but it amounted to the same thing.