Everton Target Folarin Balogun and Richarlison Before Sept 1 Deadline

Everton are considering a move for 25-year-old USMNT forward Folarin Balogun as manager David Moyes seeks to bolster his attack before Tuesday's 11:00 p.m. BST deadline.

Everton manager David Moyes is targeting Monaco forward Folarin Balogun and a return for Richarlison before the summer transfer window closes at 11:00 p.m. BST (6:00 p.m. EST) on September 1. The 25-year-old USMNT international, who previously played for Arsenal and Middlesbrough, has emerged as a primary option for the Blues following a Carabao Cup victory against Preston last week. However, the Merseyside club’s ability to secure the striker depends on offloading Iliman Ndiaye and former Udinese forward Beto to generate necessary funds.

Negotiations are currently underway for Senegal forward Ndiaye to join Tottenham Hotspur. This potential deal involves a separate arrangement for Richarlison to return to Goodison Park, four years after he departed the Toffees for Spurs in a £50 million ($67m) transaction. While Moyes is determined to add both Balogun and Richarlison to his squad, sources indicate that signing both players is unlikely unless Beto is also dispensed with during the final two days of the window.

Transfer Deadline Logistics and Outgoings

The Tuesday deadline serves as the final cutoff for Everton to reshape a roster that Moyes insists requires more depth. The club recently halted a £40 million agreement to sell 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest. This decision followed significant unrest from supporters regarding the departure of the Liverpool-born youngster. By pulling the plug on the Armstrong sale, the club has instead green-lit the exit of Ndiaye to facilitate incoming transfers.

Roberto De Zerbi, the Tottenham manager, has confirmed that Richarlison is among a group of players, including Danso and Sarr, who have requested to leave the London club. Despite Spurs spending £380m during the summer window, De Zerbi is managing a squad where key figures are seeking exits following a recent loss to Newcastle. The Italian coach also defended Sandro Tonali, describing the midfielder as crucial despite the defeat.

Moyes Targets Defensive and Wide Reinforcements

Beyond the pursuit of Folarin Balogun, Everton have identified Sunderland defender Trai Hume as a person of interest to strengthen the backline. The recruitment plan also extends to the wings, with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish listed as a target for the Premier League side. Moyes has been vocal about the necessity of these additions to improve the attacking options available to the Blues.

Balogun’s potential switch marks a return to English football after his stint in Ligue 1 with Monaco. The striker's previous experience in the Premier League with Arsenal and the Championship with Middlesbrough provides the domestic background Moyes is looking for. The success of this pursuit remains tethered to the outcome of the Ndiaye talks with Tottenham and the club's ability to find a buyer for Beto before the clock expires on Tuesday night.

Financial Constraints and Squad Reshaping

The financial structure of Everton's remaining business is dictated by the need to balance the books following the collapsed Armstrong deal. Raising funds through the sale of Beto is now the decisive factor in whether the club can finalize both the Balogun and Richarlison deals. With the September 1 deadline approaching, the club is operating under strict time constraints to finalize these high-value movements. The Toffees are prioritizing these attacking reinforcements to satisfy the manager's demands for a more competitive squad depth following their recent cup success.