Everton agree £40m Folarin Balogun deal as attack overhaul accelerates

Everton have struck an agreement with Monaco to bring United States striker Folarin Balogun to Goodison Park for a fee in the region of £40m. The deal is the latest step in a major attacking rebuild overseen by David Moyes ahead of the transfer deadline, and it coincides with Beto's imminent departure to Fiorentina.

• Everton will pay Monaco around £40m for Folarin Balogun.
• Beto is set to leave Goodison Park after a deal was agreed with Fiorentina.
• The club remains in talks to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham following Manchester City's £60m agreement for Iliman Ndiaye.
• Jack Grealish, on loan at Everton last season, could return to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• Fulham right-back Kenny Tete is close to joining for about £9m.

Folarin Balogun: the new attacking focal point Moyes wanted

Balogun came through Arsenal's academy and scored 19 goals for Monaco last season, making him an appealing addition to Everton's forward line at the age of 25. His situation in the Principality had become delicate, as he looked unlikely to sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 club. That uncertainty opened the door for Everton to finalise the transfer.

The United States international was also at the centre of one of the summer's biggest talking points at the Club World Cup, when a suspension was lifted after US president Donald Trump lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino on his behalf.

Beto heads to Fiorentina as his Everton spell comes to an end

Balogun's arrival will be offset by Beto's departure. Fiorentina have reached an agreement with Everton to sign the 28-year-old, bringing his time in English football to a close. The forward joined from Udinese in 2023 for £25m and made 113 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 25 goals.

Last season, Beto competed with Thierno Barry for the centre-forward role in Moyes' starting line-up. His exit frees up both wages and a squad place, allowing Balogun to lead the line as Everton's attack undergoes further changes in the coming days.

Richarlison and Grealish: the other pieces of Everton's new attack

The Balogun deal is far from the only piece of business being handled at Goodison Park. Everton are in talks to bring Richarlison back from Tottenham, a move that has gathered pace after Manchester City agreed a £60m fee for Iliman Ndiaye. Selling the Senegalese forward would give the club financial room to pursue the Brazilian's return.

There is also a strong possibility that Jack Grealish will be back in Everton blue. The England international spent last season on loan at the club and is surplus to requirements at Manchester City. Once valued at £100m, his return to the Hill Dickinson Stadium would be a statement signing for Moyes' project.

Kenny Tete: the solution at right-back

Everton are also close to ending their long search for a right-back. Kenny Tete is set to arrive from Fulham for a fee of around £9m, adding experience and defensive solidity to a position that has caused repeated problems in recent transfer windows.

Harrison Armstrong stays despite Nottingham Forest interest

Not every decision at Everton has involved bringing players in or moving them on. The club opted against selling teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest after a backlash from supporters. David Moyes indicated that he did not want the 17-year-old to leave either, although he is prepared to sanction Beto's exit.

Everton transfer window: key questions answered