Monaco striker Folarin Balogun
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun is still yet to start a single Ligue 1 game for Monaco this season after his arranged move to Everton fell apart - and even a recent goal has failed to inspire a turnaround.
A deal worth up to £40million was agreed for the 25-year-old on transfer deadline day, but ultimately fell apart.
The United States international had enjoyed a strong World Cup tournament and scored 19 goals in France last season, with the Toffees keen to strengthen their attack.
Issues with the medical saw Everton initially look to pull out of the deal before reigniting it, but by then, Balogun was no longer keen to make the move and halted it himself.
Beto's move to Fiorentina had already been sanctioned, with Thierno Barry left without any competition or support until at least the January transfer window.
The young striker has taken that pressure on and is thriving under it, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in just 13 games so far this season.
🚨 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
Folarin Balogun struggling for form
The injury that Everton identified in Balogun's medical kept him out of the Monaco squad for the first four Ligue 1 games of the season.
The striker returned in September but has continued to struggle for full fitness since, limited to brief appearances off the bench.
It was hoped that the 25-year-old had returned to form when he found the net against Paris FC at the start of November, but Sunday revealed that his struggles continue.
Balogun was brought on for 36 minutes against Le Mans FC, with Monaco in need of a goal to win their first Ligue 1 game since mid-September.
But the former Arsenal man could only take one blocked shot and not create a single chance, taking only three touches in the opposition box and losing all of his ground duels.
It remains unclear how Balogun would have fared at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Everton currently look to have dodged somewhat of a bullet.
What did Balogun say about his failed move to Everton?
Balogun is undoubtedly talented, but it appears that Everton's concerns over his fitness were well-placed.
And had the 25-year-old arrived, it is unlikely that the Toffees would have seen such an explosion from Barry.
"Yes, potentially," Balogun said in October when asked if he was still open to returning to the Premier League.
"Football has many twists and turns as we've seen after the World Cup. I was close to a transfer, didn't materialise, but for sure it's definitely an option."