Folarin Balogun’s potential move to Everton collapsed on Tuesday night after the United States men’s national team striker decided against the transfer at the eleventh hour, leaving Finch Farm without signing despite an agreement between Monaco and the Premier League club ahead of the 11pm BST deadline.
The high-stakes transfer saga came to an abrupt halt following a whirlwind 48 hours on deadline day. Yet despite earlier reports from Fabrizio Romano that personal terms were settled and that both clubs believed all paperwork was in place, the 25-year-old forward opted to walk away from the table.
Financial Discrepancies and the Medical Hurdles Behind the Breakdown
Complications arose well before Balogun departed the club’s training ground. The deal hit early turbulence due to issues during his medical examination, which prompted Monaco and Everton to return to the negotiating table to restructure the terms.
Financial valuations of the proposed transfer varied depending on the source. Monaco insiders speaking anonymously stated that the initial framework involved a fixed fee of €45 million (£38.58 million; $52.3 million) accompanied by €5 million (£4.3 million; $5.8 million) in potential add-ons. Conversely, sources within Everton maintained that the valuation sat closer to £40 million ($54 million; €46.7 million). Even after the clubs renegotiated a lower fixed fee with higher bonus structures to salvage the agreement, Balogun ultimately decided against proceeding.
Everton Left Short at Striker After Deadline Day Deals Fall Through
The collapse leaves Everton manager Sean Dyche’s side severely depleted in the attacking third. Earlier on Tuesday, the Merseyside club sanctioned the permanent departure of striker Beto to Fiorentina, alongside winger Iliman Ndiaye’s move to Manchester City. Everton also pursued a deal for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, but that approach was rejected because Old Trafford officials felt they lacked sufficient time to secure a replacement.
With those moves falling flat, Everton enters the autumn months carrying just one senior recognized striker, 23-year-old Thierno Barry, on their active roster as reported by Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland. Defensive depth was similarly affected by departures, including Nathan Patterson’s permanent transfer to Torino and Adam Aznou’s loan switch to Malaga.
Monaco Fallout and the Wider International Knock-On Effects
The failed transfer leaves the American international at Monaco for the foreseeable future, though alternative markets remain a possibility. The Turkish transfer window remains open, with Galatasaray having previously monitored the forward during the summer, alongside the ongoing openness of the Saudi Pro market.
The aborted move also triggered logistical complications in Ligue 1. Monaco had pursued Mexico international Érik Lira from Cruz Azul, but that deal failed to materialize because Balogun continued to occupy the club’s final international player roster spot.
Balogun returns to his club duties following an eventful summer that included leading the USMNT with three goals at the World Cup and recording 19 goals and five assists across 43 appearances for Monaco during the 2025–26 campaign.