Everton sign Grealish on loan from Man City as Zirkzee stays at United

Everton have confirmed the return of Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City. The England international spent the previous campaign on Merseyside and now rejoins David Moyes' squad for another year at Goodison Park. The announcement came on transfer deadline day, a busy one for the club, which also chased Joshua Zirkzee but could not prise him away from Manchester United.

• Jack Grealish rejoins Everton on loan from Manchester City until the end of the 2026-27 season.
• The winger made 20 appearances for Everton last term before suffering a foot injury in January.
• Joshua Zirkzee will stay at Manchester United after Everton's late interest came to nothing.
• A £40m fee has been agreed with Monaco for striker Folarin Balogun, pending a medical issue.
• Ainsley Maitland-Niles arrives from Lyon for £3m and Nathan Patterson leaves for Torino.

Grealish returns to Goodison Park after winning over the fans

Grealish enjoyed a strong start to his first Everton spell in 2025-26. He scored twice and provided six assists in 20 appearances, enough to earn the Premier League Player of the Month award for August. A foot problem cut his campaign short in January, yet his bond with the club remained strong throughout his recovery.

The 30-year-old began the current season at Manchester City, playing in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on 16 August. He also featured in the opening Premier League win over Bournemouth under Enzo Maresca. Despite that involvement, a reunion with Everton proved the most attractive option as the window drew to a close.

I think I'm at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That's what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.

Grealish pointed to the welcome he received in his first Goodison Park appearance against Leeds as a defining moment. Other clubs, including boyhood side Aston Villa, were linked with a move, but the connection with Everton's supporters tipped the balance.

Zirkzee stays at Old Trafford as United reject late Everton push

Everton moved for Joshua Zirkzee during the final hours of the window after Beto sealed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina in Serie A. The 25-year-old Netherlands forward emerged as a late target, but Manchester United did not sanction a departure and he remains at Old Trafford.

Before turning to Zirkzee, the Toffees had considered a move for Tammy Abraham. The striker chose to stay at Aston Villa, leaving Everton to focus on other attacking options before the deadline.

Balogun deal agreed but medical hurdle leaves move in the balance

Folarin Balogun has been Everton's main attacking target, and the club reached an agreement with Monaco for a permanent transfer worth £40m. The United States international, aged 25, was expected to strengthen the forward line after Beto's exit to Italy.

A problem during the player's medical on deadline day delayed the move, but Everton remained hopeful of completing the deal before the 23:00 BST cut-off. Balogun's arrival would add depth and pace to a squad eager to push up the Premier League table.

Maitland-Niles adds versatility to Moyes' squad

Everton also secured the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon for around £3m. The 29-year-old former Arsenal player has earned five England caps and can operate at full-back or in midfield.

His versatility offers David Moyes cover in several positions as Everton prepare for a demanding domestic campaign. Maitland-Niles brings Premier League experience and arrives at an age where he can still be a regular contributor.

Patterson completes permanent move to Torino

Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson has left Everton to join Torino on a permanent transfer. The 24-year-old joined from Rangers in January 2022 and went on to make 68 appearances across all competitions for the club.

His departure frees up room on the right side of defence and brings Everton's window to a close with several moving parts. Grealish headlines the incomings, while the potential arrival of Balogun could still define how successful the final day proves to be.