Folarin Balogun proposed move to Everton collapsed dramatically after the striker changed his mind following a medical at the club’s Finch Farm training base, Trybal News reports.
Everton had agreed a £40m deal with Monaco for the 25 year old forward. However, issues raised during the medical forced both clubs to renegotiate the original agreement.
The United States international arrived in Merseyside around lunchtime on Deadline Day to complete the transfer. Everton, Monaco and Balogun then signed a deal sheet before the 23:00 BST deadline.
However, the deal took another unexpected turn after Balogun had a change of heart. The striker ultimately walked away from the move shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
Medical Issue Triggers Dramatic Deadline Day Twist
Everton identified Folarin Balogun as a late attacking target after Guinea Bissau striker Beto completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Fiorentina.
The Toffees also considered Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham. However, Everton could not convince either player to make the move.
Balogun therefore became the club’s main target as Sean Dyche’s side looked to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closed.
The striker travelled to Everton’s training base and began the process of completing the £40m transfer. However, concerns emerged during his medical and quickly threatened to derail the deal.
Everton and Monaco responded by renegotiating the terms. The situation then created another major transfer twist involving Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
Monaco moved to sell Camara to Chelsea after doubts emerged over Balogun’s Everton transfer. Chelsea had already reached a full agreement with Monaco for the midfielder.
However, Everton later renegotiated Balogun’s deal in an attempt to push the transfer through. That development left Monaco facing a difficult choice between completing the striker sale and retaining their agreement to sell Camara.
Despite having a full agreement with Chelsea, Monaco ultimately withdrew from the Camara transfer as the 23:00 BST deadline passed. The decision left Chelsea furious.
Chelsea also had the option to withdraw from their £125m deal to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. However, the Blues chose to complete the transfer in what was viewed as an act of good faith.
Then, just after midnight on Wednesday, the situation surrounding Folarin Balogun changed again.
The striker decided against moving to Everton and walked away from the agreement. His decision added another dramatic twist to an already chaotic Deadline Day and reportedly increased frustration at both Monaco and Chelsea.
The collapse also extends a turbulent 2026 for Balogun. The United States international had already found himself at the centre of the World Cup red card controversy involving Donald Trump.
Everton now face a major problem in attack. The club could enter January with only one recognised senior striker in Thierno Barry after Beto left for Fiorentina.
The Toffees had also tried to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan. However, Manchester United rejected their proposal.
Everton’s attacking options suffered another blow with Iliman Ndiaye leaving for Manchester City. The club did manage to bring in Jack Grealish on another loan deal, but the failure to sign Folarin Balogun leaves a significant gap in their forward options.
For Monaco, the collapse of Balogun’s transfer also affected their plans for Camara. Chelsea had hoped to complete the midfielder’s arrival, only for Monaco to pull the plug before the deadline.
The dramatic sequence of events highlights the unpredictability of the transfer window. Folarin Balogun appeared set to become an Everton player, but a medical issue, renegotiations and a late change of heart ultimately brought the deal crashing down.
