How Folarin Balogun’s Everton Transfer Fell Apart After Medical Exam
It looked like USMNT forward Folarin Balogun was about to make a successful return to the Premier League this summer, but the transfer to Everton hit a major snag at the last minute. This unexpected collapse caused significant disruption across the transfer market.
The Transfer Almost Completed
After a standout 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 25-year-old striker was linked with top clubs including Barcelona and Aston Villa. Eventually, an agreement seemed near with Everton as Deadline Day unfolded. Both clubs reportedly settled on terms, and Balogun was set for his medical examination with the Merseyside club.
But the deal nearly unraveled after the medical raised concerns. Despite no official 'pass' or 'fail' in such exams, Everton identified something that gave them second thoughts, prompting them to withdraw from the initial agreement.
Reworked Deal Fails at Final Step
Everton and Monaco renegotiated the terms with a more favorable fee, and Everton even requested an extension from the Premier League to finalize the paperwork. Balogun was present at Everton’s training ground ready to sign, yet he ultimately chose not to complete the contract, according to journalist David Ornstein.
Unclear Medical Concerns
The exact issue flagged during Balogun's medical remains undisclosed. Both AS Monaco and Balogun’s representatives maintain he is fit to play. Fabrizio Romano reported that both the club and player insist there are no problems.
Balogun’s Next Steps
With the transfer window closed, Balogun will return to Monaco, where he scored 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season. He is expected to compete in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Conference League this season. There may still be moves ahead, as Monaco considers selling either Balogun or Lamine Camara to clubs in Turkey or Saudi Arabia before their respective deadlines in early September and mid-October.
Transfer Market Fallout
Everton had to scramble once Balogun’s move stalled, having already sold Beto to Fiorentina. They quickly pursued Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United on loan, but canceled that deal when Balogun’s transfer looked possible again.
Monaco faced financial strain after missing out on Champions League qualification and needed to raise funds. They reached an agreement to sell midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea, which had just lost Enzo Fernandez. Yet Monaco pulled out of the deal at the last minute once Balogun’s transfer seemed likely, angering Chelsea’s management who described Monaco’s actions as "very unprofessional." When Balogun declined the Everton contract, Monaco was left without either sale completed, creating a serious financial shortfall.
Additionally, Monaco couldn’t free an international roster spot to sign Mexico’s Erik Lira, as the French transfer deadline was earlier than England’s. The collapsed Balogun deal prevented that roster change, closing another door for Monaco.
