Folarin Balogun's anticipated £40 million ($54 million) transfer from Monaco to Everton has dramatically fallen through just hours before the closure of the transfer window. The United States striker decided to withdraw from the deal, citing dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from the Premier League club's medical staff, according to Monaco's managing director, Thiago Scuro.
Balogun, who previously stirred controversy during the World Cup when U.S. President Donald Trump intervened to allow him to play despite a red card suspension, had undergone a medical examination in England. However, Everton raised concerns regarding his fitness, which ultimately influenced his decision to back out of the transfer.
Scuro revealed that the contract was signed by both clubs just minutes before the transfer window closed, but Balogun opted not to finalize the agreement. "Five minutes before the close of the (English) transfer window... I signed the contract, and Everton signed the contract," Scuro explained. "At the last moment, the player decided not to sign. The allegation of Balogun is that: 'I'm not feeling well by the way the club treated me.'"
Reports had suggested that Everton might have sought to renegotiate the fee for the 25-year-old forward, but Scuro did not confirm any such discussions. Balogun emerged as a late target for the Toffees after the departure of Beto, a Guinea-Bissau international, who moved to Serie A club Fiorentina.
Balogun's decision to withdraw has left Everton with a shortage of forwards as they head into the new season. The club did manage to secure the return of Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City for the second consecutive year, and they also signed defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French club Lyon. However, the Everton supporters' group, The 1878s, expressed their frustration with the club's management, criticizing the U.S.-based owners, The Friedkin Group, for their handling of the transfer window. They stated, "To leave us with no backup full-backs and just one striker is full-on gross negligence."
Balogun's performances at the World Cup had garnered attention, particularly after a controversial red card he received in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The card was suspended by FIFA, allowing him to participate in the subsequent round against Belgium, a decision that drew criticism towards FIFA President Gianni Infantino due to his ties with Trump. Despite the controversy, the U.S. team lost to Belgium 4-1, and Balogun later acknowledged that the situation impacted the team's performance.
Born in New York City but raised in London, Balogun has made a significant impact at Monaco, scoring 31 goals in 91 appearances. His decision to remain with the club has placed Monaco in a challenging financial position, as they had anticipated his departure. The club had considered selling Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea if Balogun's transfer went through, but those plans were abandoned once it seemed he would leave. Scuro hinted that discussions regarding Balogun and other players might still take place, as some transfer windows remain open. "We still have other markets open, and we are having discussions about different players, including Balo. Let's see what can still happen until Thursday because we still have markets that have the financial capacity to do something," he stated.
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