Folarin Balogun has confirmed his interest in a future Premier League return after his £40 million transfer to Everton collapsed on deadline day. The move from Monaco unravelled after a significant issue was discovered during his medical at Finch Farm, prompting a renegotiation of the fee before the player ultimately changed his mind.

Everton had agreed a deal with Monaco for the 25-year-old United States international, lodging a deal sheet to complete the transfer after the window's official close. Following the medical examination, both clubs restructured the terms to a lower base price with more performance-related add-ons, though personal terms for Balogun remained unchanged. The striker arrived on a later flight than scheduled and, after discussions, let it be known he no longer wished to sign and wanted to return home.

Folarin Balogun has since spoken openly about the failed transfer and his ongoing ambition. "I was close to a transfer, didn’t materialise, but for sure it’s definitely an option," Balogun said.

The Brooklyn-born striker started his career at Arsenal, spending 12 years there and making two Premier League appearances before his move to Monaco in 2023. He has since become a key figure for the US national team. Despite the collapse, he has been reintegrated at Monaco, who currently sit top of Ligue 1 unbeaten; Balogun made his return in their 2-1 win over Lens.

The deal's failure left manager David Moyes with a notably thin squad, particularly in attack. As the team prepares for its next challenge, the absence of a new striker like Balogun is felt. Everton currently sit seventh in the Premier League with nine points from five games, having won their last two matches against Ipswich and Wolves.

Their next match is away at Hull City on 11 October, a fixture that will test their solid early-season form, which reads two wins and three draws from their last five outings. The need for greater attacking depth is clear as they look to maintain their position, just six points behind leaders Manchester City. For a detailed look at the current player roster, visit our squad section.

The fallout from the collapsed transfer extended beyond the club, with international controversy surrounding a red card Balogun received while on duty with the USMNT, which was later overturned by FIFA. Everton's focus now shifts to maximising the resources at hand as they build on an encouraging start to the campaign.

This story first appeared at talkSPORT