David Moyes has admitted his disappointment following a chaotic end to Everton's summer transfer window, where the club failed to secure key targets and lost a vital creative player to Manchester City. The Toffees manager outlined the frustrations of deadline day after a move for Folarin Balogun fell apart in the final hours and Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye completed a £65m switch to the Etihad.
Balogun Medical Collapse Ends Everton's Striker Hunt
Everton's pursuit of a marquee striker reached crisis point when Balogun's medical at Finch Farm revealed issues that derailed negotiations entirely. The 25-year-old USMNT international had emerged as Moyes's primary target following Beto's departure to Fiorentina, but the club's attempts to restructure financial terms following the physical assessment prompted the player to abandon the deal. Moyes explained the collapse plainly: "It wasn't anyone's fault and ultimately it happens in football as the player had a problem in his medical and that was simply it. There are no other stories behind it."
The collapse represented a significant blow to Everton's attacking plans, forcing the manager to navigate the remainder of the season without the reinforcement he had targeted. Balogun had made 18 appearances for Monaco last season, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs before the medical complications ended his Merseyside move.
Ndiaye Exit Compounds Transfer Window Misery
The frustration deepened when Manchester City successfully hijacked Ndiaye away from Tottenham's grasp. The Senegal international, a fan favourite at Goodison Park, departed for £65m—a sale Moyes reluctantly acknowledged as a financial necessity for the club. Ndiaye had contributed 15 goals and four assists during his time on Merseyside, establishing himself as a crucial creative outlet in the attacking third.
"We lost Ndiaye, which is someone who we definitely didn't want to lose, but sometimes it is difficult when the likes of Man City come along," Moyes admitted. The sale reflected the club's need to balance the books while attempting to strengthen the squad, a delicate position that left Everton vulnerable to raids from wealthier rivals.
Defensive Reinforcements Also Fall Short
Beyond the attacking disappointments, Everton also struggled to fortify their backline. A move for Fulham defender Kenny Tete collapsed when the London club could not secure a suitable replacement, forcing the Toffees to explore alternative options. The late timing of the window meant several defensive enquiries were rejected outright, leaving Moyes without the depth he had identified as essential.
- Folarin Balogun medical failure ends striker search
- Iliman Ndiaye's £65m exit to Manchester City
- Kenny Tete move blocked by Fulham replacement issues
- Defensive reinforcements remain unfulfilled
Moyes remains pragmatic about the setbacks, acknowledging that deadline day inevitably produces unforeseen complications. With the Premier League season underway and January still months away, Everton must now make do with their current roster while managing supporter expectations around a frustrating transfer window that failed to deliver the upgrades the manager sought across multiple positions.
