He left the building without signing
Folarin Balogun is not joining Everton. The striker decided against the move and left the club without putting pen to paper, David Ornstein reported on Tuesday, closing a transfer that had looked done twice in 24 hours.
Everton and Monaco agreed a fee on Monday. The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, James Horncastle and Tom Bogert put the deal at an initial 45 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons according to Monaco sources, while Everton sources described a package worth around 40 million pounds. Fabrizio Romano reported later that night that Balogun had settled personal terms.
Then came the medical. Problems surfaced during the examination, Everton and Monaco went back to the table, and the two clubs renegotiated. Romano reported on Tuesday that both sides believed everything was in place to complete. Hours later Balogun said no.
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What Monaco keep and what Everton lose
Balogun is 25 and coming off the best season of his Monaco career. He scored 13 goals and added four assists in Ligue 1, numbers that finally matched the price Monaco paid Arsenal for him in 2022-23. He also scored three times in four World Cup games for the United States this summer, a run remembered as much for the red card he collected against Bosnia and Herzegovina as for the goals.
Monaco spent the last fortnight under pressure to sell before the French deadline. Balogun leaving would have covered a large part of that. He stays instead, in a squad that has already lost pieces this window.
Everton wanted him for a rebuilt attack. The club brought Jack Grealish back on a season-long loan and agreed to sell Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City. The centre-forward slot Balogun was meant to fill is still open, and the window is shut.
Deadline day claims another one
Failed medicals rarely kill a transfer outright any more. Clubs renegotiate, insurance covers the rest, and the player signs a few hours late. This one went the other way. Balogun had the fee and the terms in front of him, and walked out anyway.
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