Folarin Balogun playing for Monaco
Folarin Balogun playing for Monaco
The US international was central to a massive outburst of frustration from David Moyes and the Toffees faithful.
He looked set to come in and become the striker option that the Merseyside outfit were so desperate for.
It is public knowledge now that complications with his medical saw the Blues look to renegotiate the deal with Monaco, and the 25-year-old walked out of Finch Farm.
A deadline day switch was totally off the cards from there, leaving the L3 outfit with just one senior, recognised striker.
Things haven't since been plain sailing for Everton, but it has arguably been more difficult for Balogun as his future remains up in the air.
What is going on with Folarin Balogun at Monaco?
The 2001-born striker was met with plenty of hype when his Merseyside switch looked destined to go through.
Excitement surrounded the move after 19 goals across all competitions at club level last season was followed by three in four games at the World Cup.
That made it all the more disappointing when his deal ultimately collapsed.
Many questioned what that would mean for his future at Monaco as they continued to deal with financial troubles.
It now appears that an exit is now increasing likely.
French outlet L'Equipe have reported that Balogun is expected to leave the principality in January.
Despite being under contract until 2028, a sale is needed as the Ligue 1 outfit look to balance their books to comply with league and UEFA regulations.
That certainly makes for an interesting winter scenario, but could Everton step back in to make a deal happen?
Could Everton land bargain Balogun deal in January?
There is going to be a necessary change of heart from both parties if a transfer were to happen in the coming weeks.
Both parties had their grievances with the other as a deal collapsed on deadline day.
The only plus point is that both clearly wanted to arrange a deal before it all fell away in the final moments.
This situation may actually prove to benefit Everton more given that they looked to renegotiate a deal in the summer.
With Monaco now set to be more desperate to seal a sale, that could suit the Toffees.
It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall should conversations be reignited to make a move happen in January.