Everton's attempt to sign USMNT forward Folarin Balogun collapsed in dramatic fashion on deadline day. The 25-year-old AS Monaco striker withdrew from a proposed £40 million transfer after a late-night medical raised issues, according to a report from ESPN Soccer.
David Moyes is now left without the attacking reinforcement he sought, a situation that comes as Everton sit 7th in the Premier League with four points from their opening two matches. The Toffees have scored three goals and conceded just one, putting them two points behind leaders Manchester City. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Manchester United on September 6th, a match you can preview on our fixtures page.
What happened on deadline day?
The deal for Folarin Balogun was initially agreed between Everton and Monaco. The player even traveled to Merseyside to complete the move at the club's Finch Farm training base. However, an unspecified concern emerged during his medical examination, which prompted a need for renegotiation. Everton submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League to secure an additional two-hour window beyond the 11 p.m. BST deadline to finalize paperwork.
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro signed the contract on behalf of the French club, and Everton also signed. But after midnight, Balogun decided to walk away and return to Monaco. "I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract. But at the last minute, the player decided not to sign," Scuro stated. The collapse left Everton scrambling, having already offloaded forwards Beto and Iliman Ndiaye earlier in the day.
Why did the transfer fall apart?
Thiago Scuro placed the blame squarely on the player and Everton's medical staff. He claimed the questions raised by Everton's doctors made no sense to Monaco's medical team or Balogun's personal physician. A lengthy discussion between the clubs' medical departments ensued, taking two to three hours for further assessment and consultation with other doctors.
"The allegation of Balogun is that, 'I'm not feeling well by the way the club treated me, the way the medical team brought doubts about my future or my health. I'm not comfortable to sign a long contract here'," Scuro said in his media briefing. He described the entire situation as unprecedented in his career. Everton did not comment on Scuro's remarks following the failed move.
What alternatives did Everton pursue?
As the Balogun deal began to unravel, Everton explored other options. The club attempted to secure a loan move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as an alternative attacking option. Concurrently, the uncertainty at Finch Farm created a ripple effect. Information about the medical issues leaked quickly, and Chelsea saw an opportunity to discuss a possible transfer for Monaco's Lamine Camara.
Discussions about Camara's move to Chelsea proceeded while talks over Balogun's medical continued. Everton eventually informed Monaco around 10 p.m. that there were no more problems and they were ready to finalize the Balogun deal. Monaco then returned to Chelsea to say the Camara transfer would not happen. Scuro noted the Premier League allowed an extra hour to complete paperwork, which was used just five minutes before the window officially closed.
What does this mean for Everton's squad?
The failed move leaves manager David Moyes with a clear shortage in attack unless the club can secure a free agent. The departure of Beto and Ndiaye, coupled with Balogun's U-turn, thins the options available. Everton's current squad will need to maintain their early-season form, which has seen them start with a draw and a win.
Their solid defensive record of just one goal conceded will be tested against Manchester United. The team's position in the standings reflects a promising start, but the lack of a new striker adds pressure on existing forwards. The club now faces the task of regrouping ahead of the September 6th match at Goodison Park.
