Should have, would have, could have. Many fans will be using this phrase today after the Premier League transfer window closed at 11pm last night, meaning no more deals can but made until the winter window opens. Everton will be clawing at the glass like a cat who has seen a pigeon on the grass after a late deal for the USA international Folarin Balogun fell through.
The forward reportedly had his medical with the Toffees, which threw up an issue. Everton then went back to Balogun’s club, Monaco, to renegotiate and an agreement was reached with a deal sheet drawn up. But Balogun then decided against the move. It’s a blow to Everton, who have lost two attacking players this window, with Beto going to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye signing for Manchester City.
Monaco were involved in another big deal that fell through late, on deadline day as Lamine Camara looked likely to join Chelsea. Two initial bids for the Senegal international were rejected but eventually the two clubs agreed a €55m (£47.1m) fee. The 22-year-old had a medical but after Everton came in for Balogun, who Monaco were more happy to sell, the club pulled out of the Camara-to-Chelsea deal. After Balogun to Everton fell through, Monaco could not then sell Camara as they did not sign the deal sheet before the window closed.
There are also whispers that Liverpool contacted Monaco to say they will make a move for Camara in 2027, with the Ligue 1 club perhaps believing that will involve a higher fee than the possible Chelsea deal.
Chelsea also enquired about Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi but Arsenal rejected any move for the 27-year-old. The Blues then batted off interest from Liverpool, who wanted to sign the France defender Malo Gusto on loan. Chelsea insisted on a permanent transfer.
Liverpool themselves blocked a deal for Cody Gakpo, who wanted a move to Manchester City. The forward reportedly held talks with Anfield bosses to clear the air after they denied the move.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are already planning a defensive restructure come next summer. It is thought Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez are all on trial this season and they could potentially be replaced in 2027.
United may lose another player in coming days as Chido Obi wants a loan deal to a club in the Netherlands or Denmark. Both countries’ transfer deadlines are on Wednesday. It is thought Feyenoord are interested in the 18-year-old forward.
Wrexham are interested in Jamie Vardy but they are not the only one keen on the free agent: São Paulo and Sheffield Wednesday also want the 39-year-old. He played for Cremonese last season, and scored seven goals, but the club were relegated from Serie A, prompting the England international’s departure.
With that, our transfer-window watch ends. The Rumour Mill returns in January for plenty of hot gossip in (European) winter. Maybe some of the deals that might have been this summer will come to fruition then?