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Monaco and United States star Folarin Balogun sensationally opted against joining Premier League side Everton after travelling to the club’s training ground on Deadline Day.
Balogun looked set to swap Monaco for Everton after an $80million AUD deal for the 25-year-old forward was renegotiated, following issues during a medical on Wednesday (AEST).
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A deal sheet was submitted in order to complete the transfer to the Toffees. However, according to widespread reports in the United Kingdom, the American decided not to proceed and left the training ground without signing for David Moyes’ men.
It capped one of the “craziest sagas” of Deadline Day, involving Monaco, Everton and Chelsea.
🚨 Folarin Balogun transfer from Monaco to Everton off. Deal for 25yo #ASMonaco striker renegotiated after issues during medical & deal sheet submitted; but USA international decided not to proceed + left #EFC training ground without signing @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/uXjWE3Nd95
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2026
Chelsea had reportedly moved on to other targets having seen two bids rejected for Monaco’s Lamine Camara before selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.
Monaco continued to block Camara’s sale amid Balogun’s proposed switch to Everton, which had been agreed.
But issues with Balogun’s medical prompted Everton to make a move for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
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And the final incredible bullet: Balogun deal agreed on new terms, but the player has a change of heart.😳 https://t.co/9wE7TPX2Te
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 2, 2026
United, however, opted to keep Zirkee at Old Trafford.
With that Balogun move seemingly off, Monaco urgently needed a sale and it led to Camara appearing set for Stamford Bridge before it collapsed as Chelsea labelled the French Ligue 1 outfit “deeply unprofessional”.
With the Camara transfer dead in the water, Monaco and Everton resumed talks over Balogun and negotiated a new fee.
Just as it looked like Balogun’s proposed switch appeared set to be completed, the player had a change of heart, opting to stay in France.