Everton news: Folarin Balogun sensationally axes £40m deal to leave Toffees short on striker options

Everton find themselves in a difficult position after missing out on Monaco striker Folarin Balogun at the end of a chaotic summer transfer deadline day.

Thanks to a dramatic change of heart, Balogun decided against making a transfer despite a £40 million deal having already been struck between the two clubs.

The setback is particularly frustrating for the Toffees as they allowed forwards Beto and Iliman Ndiaye to join Fiorentina and Manchester City, respectively, earlier in the day.

Thierno Barry is now David Moyes’ only recognised striker, although Jack Grealish (on loan) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were at least brought in to bolster the midfield.

O’Connor slams ‘chaotic and panicked’ Toffees

Reflecting on Everton’s current predicament, Sky Sports pundit Vinny O’Connor said: “How have they got to a situation where they’ve halved a strike force that was far from prolific anyway?

“Easy to say in hindsight but allowing Beto to go to Fiorentina before a deal for Folarin Balogun was signed and sealed now looks amateur at best.

“The unsuccessful pivot to Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee when the Balogun deal initially faltered just adds to the feeling of a chaotic and panicked end to the window.

“Add to that the sale of their most exciting talent, Iliman Ndiaye.

“All window, it was emphasised Everton were in a position of strength given he had three years left on his contract.

“Yet, a deal to sell was struck at £65m – over four times the amount Everton paid two years ago but not the figure that would have made it that bit more palatable for the fans.”

Everton unlikely to challenge for Europe

With the prevailing feeling at the Merseyside club clearly one of disappointment, O’Connor added: “Evertonians could do with some positivity.

“At the moment, they are hurt, embarrassed, angry, frustrated, and concerned when the facts are that it didn’t need to be like this.

“Ainsley Maitland-Niles is someone who can cover both full-back positions and possesses a versatility that’s much needed in David Moyes’ squad.

“And, of course, there was the expected return of Jack Grealish on loan, much needed following the departure of Ndiaye.

“Unfortunately, the positives mentioned are more than overshadowed by the fact that the manager has, again, not been given the tools that will give him the best chance of delivering success.

“Last season, it was the failure to bring in a right-back and a proven striker.

“This season, he has to muddle through until at least January with Thierno Barry as his only recognised front man.

“Given the circumstances, it’s difficult to see them muster a challenge for Europe – and if that is the case, it shouldn’t be seen as a failure.”

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