Everton was waiting. The contract was ready. But in the final hours of the Premier League window, Folarin Balogun walked away.
The 25-year-old United States striker reportedly scrapped his proposed move to Everton on Tuesday, turning down a transfer that had looked all but sealed with AS Monaco, according to multiple reports on September 2.
Medical Twist Sparks Collapse
For days, Monaco and Everton had been locked in talks over a deal worth an estimated $53.2 million to $54 million, with around $5.8 million in add-ons, per The Athletic.
Balogun even traveled to Liverpool for his medical.
But Everton sources flagged concerns during the exam and went back to Monaco to renegotiate the fee. The Toffees asked for an extension to beat the deadline.
Instead of pushing through, Balogun hit the brakes. He opted not to continue with the move, leaving Everton without their marquee deadline signing and Monaco holding onto their striker.
From World Cup Hero to Transfer Limbo
The drama adds another twist to a rollercoaster year for Balogun. He lit up the World Cup for the USMNT, scoring twice in the opening win over Paraguay and netting again against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
That match ended in chaos when he was shown a red card in the 64th minute. The suspension was later lifted, allowing him to face Belgium in the round of 16, after what reports said was even a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA’s Gianni Infantino. Infantino denied Trump influenced the decision.
Now, instead of Goodison, Balogun returns to Monaco. Deadline day dreams, deferred.
