The summer transfer window closed on Tuesday night, concluding a period marked by several late-stage negotiations and collapsed deals across European football.

Everton were notably active throughout the window but ended without securing a key forward target. The club had been pursuing USA international Folarin Balogun from Monaco. Reports indicated that Balogun completed a medical at Everton, but an issue arose that delayed the transfer. Despite Everton and Monaco reaching an agreement and drawing up a deal sheet, Balogun opted against the move, delivering a setback to Everton’s attacking reinforcements. This disappointment compounded the club’s losses after selling Beto to Fiorentina and losing Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City earlier in the window.

Monaco were also at the center of another significant and ultimately unsuccessful transfer. Chelsea had been negotiating to sign Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara for €55 million (£47.1 million). Although the two clubs initially rejected bids, an agreement was eventually reached, and Camara underwent a medical. However, after Everton emerged as a more willing buyer for Balogun, Monaco withdrew from the Chelsea deal. When the Balogun transfer collapsed, Monaco failed to formally complete the paperwork to finalize Camara’s move before the deadline.

There are indications that Liverpool has maintained a long-term interest in Camara, reportedly informing Monaco they may seek to acquire the player in 2027, potentially on more favorable terms than Chelsea’s offer.

Chelsea showed interest in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but Arsenal rejected approaches for the 27-year-old. The Blues also countered Liverpool’s interest in French defender Malo Gusto, emphasizing their preference for a permanent transfer rather than a loan.

Further transfer complications arose elsewhere. Liverpool blocked a proposed move for forward Cody Gakpo to Manchester City, prompting talks between Gakpo and Liverpool officials to clarify his status.

Manchester United are already contemplating a defensive overhaul next season, with key defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez reportedly under review. Changes could occur as early as 2027. Meanwhile, young forward Chido Obi is seeking a loan to a club in the Netherlands or Denmark, with Feyenoord among interested parties ahead of those leagues’ Wednesday transfer deadlines.

In the lower leagues, Wrexham have expressed interest in 39-year-old free agent Jamie Vardy. São Paulo and Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly also pursued the former England international, who parted ways with Serie A club Cremonese after their relegation last season. Vardy scored seven goals during his tenure with Cremonese before leaving the club.

With the window now closed, clubs will turn their attention to the winter transfer period in January, where some of the deals that narrowly missed completion this summer may be revisited.