Everton's £40 million pursuit of striker Folarin Balogun collapsed on deadline day after the player pulled out over concerns from his medical. The deal with AS Monaco, agreed on Monday, fell apart just hours before the transfer window closed at 11 p.m. BST on Tuesday, as reported by ESPN Soccer.
Sean Dyche's side had even submitted an offer sheet to the Premier League seeking a two-hour extension to complete the paperwork. The league allows clubs an extra two hours if a deal is already underway. But with Balogun's withdrawal, the extension became irrelevant. Everton did not comment on the status after the window shut. The 25-year-old American is now expected to stay at Monaco for the 2026-27 season.
Why did the Balogun transfer fail?
The primary reason for the collapse was Folarin Balogun's decision to withdraw following his medical examination. Specific details of the concerns were not disclosed, but they were significant enough for the player to halt the move. This left Everton scrambling as the deadline approached. The club had already seen a loan move for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee rejected earlier in the window, compounding their striker search problems.
Balogun had been a key target to bolster an attack that has scored three goals in its opening two Premier League games. You can view the full attacking roster on our squad page. His potential arrival was seen as a major coup, given his proven goal record in France.
What does Balogun bring to a team?
Folarin Balogun is a prolific forward who has scored 24 goals in 74 appearances since joining Monaco from Reims in 2023. Last season, he netted 13 times in 30 Ligue 1 matches. He announced himself on the European stage with his first continental goal against Bodo/Glimt in November 2025 and scored a brace in a thrilling 3-2 knockout-round loss to Paris Saint-Germain last February.
Born in New York and raised in Britain, Balogun came through Arsenal's academy. He had spells at Middlesbrough and Reims before his Monaco move. He was also a key figure for the United States men's national team during their run to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
How does this affect Everton's season?
The failure to sign a striker leaves manager Sean Dyche with his existing options as Everton sit 7th in the Premier League. They have four points from two games, with a win and a draw. Their goal difference is +2, having scored three and conceded one. They are just two points behind early leaders Manchester City.
The immediate focus shifts to integrating current players and preparing for the next match. Everton host Manchester United at Goodison Park on September 6th. United are currently 10th in the table. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
What happens next for Everton?
With the transfer window closed, Everton must now rely on their current squad. The search for a new forward will likely be put on hold until the January window at the earliest. The club's recruitment team will have to assess other targets and budget for the next opportunity.
The collapse of the Balogun deal is a significant setback for Everton's summer plans. It highlights the fine margins and inherent risks of deadline-day negotiations. All attention now turns to on-pitch performance, starting with the clash against Manchester United this weekend.
