The Premier League's summer transfer window closed at 11pm with a flurry of late twists, leaving several clubs to reflect on deals that fell apart in dramatic fashion.
Everton were left frustrated after a proposed move for United States international Folarin Balogun collapsed at the eleventh hour. The forward had reportedly undergone a medical with the Toffees, but complications arose during the process. Everton subsequently returned to Monaco to renegotiate terms, and a fresh agreement was struck, with a deal sheet prepared to formalise the transfer. Despite this, Balogun ultimately opted against completing the move.
The collapse represents a significant setback for Everton, who have now lost two attacking options during this window. Beto departed for Fiorentina, while Iliman Ndiaye completed a switch to Manchester City, leaving the Merseyside club short of firepower heading into the new season.
Monaco's frustrations extended beyond the Balogun situation, as another major deal unravelled on deadline day. Chelsea had been pursuing Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara, with the two clubs eventually agreeing a fee in the region of €55m (£47.1m) after the London club's initial offers were rebuffed. Camara had reportedly completed a medical ahead of the anticipated transfer. However, once Everton's interest in Balogun intensified—a player Monaco were reportedly more willing to part with—the French club shifted priorities and stepped back from finalising the Camara sale to Chelsea. When the Balogun deal subsequently broke down, Monaco found themselves unable to complete the Camara transfer, as the necessary deal sheet had not been submitted before the window's closure.
Adding intrigue to the situation, there are suggestions that Liverpool have already made contact with Monaco regarding a potential move for Camara in 2027, with the Ligue 1 outfit possibly anticipating a larger fee than what Chelsea had been prepared to pay.
Chelsea's activity on deadline day extended further, as the club made enquiries about Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, only for Arsenal to block any potential deal involving the 27-year-old Spanish midfielder. The Blues also rebuffed interest from Liverpool, who had hoped to sign French defender Malo Gusto on a loan basis. Chelsea, however, insisted on structuring any departure as a permanent transfer rather than a temporary arrangement.
Elsewhere, Liverpool found themselves at the centre of another transfer saga, reportedly blocking a proposed move for Cody Gakpo to Manchester City despite the forward's apparent desire to join the reigning champions. Gakpo is said to have held discussions with Liverpool's hierarchy in an effort to smooth over tensions following the club's rejection of the move.
At Manchester United, attention has already turned toward long-term planning, with the club reportedly assessing its defensive options for the 2027 season. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez are all understood to be under evaluation this campaign, with United considering potential replacements next summer.
United could see further squad changes in the coming days, as young forward Chido Obi is seeking a loan move to either the Netherlands or Denmark, where transfer windows remain open until Wednesday. Feyenoord have been mentioned as a potential destination for the 18-year-old.
Meanwhile, in the free agent market, veteran striker Jamie Vardy continues to attract interest from multiple clubs. Wrexham, São Paulo and Sheffield Wednesday are all reportedly keen on the 39-year-old England international, who scored seven goals for Cremonese last season before the Italian club's relegation from Serie A prompted his exit.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.