Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun spent the last hours of the summer transfer window at the centre of one of the most chaotic deadline days in recent memory.
Both clubs signed a deal sheet before the 23:00 BST deadline, which gave them extra time to finish his £40million move to Everton. Balogun walked away just after midnight and left Finch Farm without signing.
Balogun underwent a medical at Everton on Tuesday, 1 September, and the club raised questions about the results about three hours later. The clubs then reworked the deal, reducing the guaranteed payment and placing more of the fee behind appearance-related conditions.
Monaco’s Thiago Scuro said Everton contacted the club again to say they were ready to complete the signing.
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According to Scuro, Balogun’s position was that he was not comfortable with the way the club had treated him. Scuro also said the concerns about the medical made no sense to Monaco’s medical staff or the player’s own.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness said Everton used the medical as an excuse to cut Balogun’s wages. Scuro said the deal was signed on slightly improved conditions for the player and for Monaco on the payment structure.
The collapse had wider consequences. Chelsea had agreed a deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara, but Monaco withdrew while the Balogun move looked close. By the time Balogun backed out, it was too late in the day for Chelsea to revive that deal.
Nearly two months on, Everton are holding back on reigniting a move for Balogun despite his desire to play in the Premier League.
The former Arsenal striker said in early October that a return to England was “potentially” something he would consider.
David Moyes is not set to be given the budget needed to buy Balogun. The Friedkin Group is instead looking at a loan signing.
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According to Football Insider, the way the deal ended was acrimonious and said it would be difficult to resurrect.
Everton’s attacking problem remains. Last week, it was reported that Everton are in talks with Manchester United over a possible January move for Marcus Rashford.
Balogun remains at Monaco. He made his first appearance of the season as a substitute against Lens on 18 September. Tuttosport reported this week that Juventus are targeting him as a winter signing.
He scored 19 goals last season, which earned him Monaco’s Player of the Season award. He then scored three times for the USMNT at the World Cup.
Balogun came through Arsenal’s academy. He joined Monaco in 2023 in a deal worth about €40million, and Arsenal included a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause. That means the Gunners would bank a share of any fee if Monaco sell him.
Gustavo Varela
Gustavo Varela
Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Mikel Arteta - Arsenal