Folarin Balogun pulls out of Everton move as Toffees suffer deadline day disaster with failed double move
Folarin Balogun has decided not to join Everton in a brutal final transfer deadline day twist for the Toffees.
The move failing to materialise is down to the player, who had a change of heart, with both clubs agreeing a deal on deadline day.
Balogun deadline day drama
The USA international had initially been primed to complete a £40million move to Hill Dickinson Stadium but an issue spotted at his medical threw the deal into jeopardy.
Needing to sell players to balance the books, this plunged Monaco into chaos and left Everton scrambling for alternatives.
With striker Beto leaving to join Fiorentina, the Merseyside outfit had lined up Balogun as a replacement.
But after the move for the American was thrown into doubt, the Toffees then turned their attention to Premier League duo Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham.
Manchester United forward Zirkzee saw a transfer to Juventus fall through, prompting David Moyes‘ side to line up a loan move.
Aston Villa striker Abraham was also being considered, with the ex-Chelsea man facing a battle for game time following the arrivals of Nicolas Jackson and Brian Madjo at Villa Park.
However, in a chaotic end to the transfer window, both of Everton’s late approaches for the pair were rejected.
This led David Moyes to resurrect the deal for Balogun later on deadline day. The acquisition of the former Arsenal man appeared to be done with a deal sheet submitted to allow for extra time to complete the deal.
But in an unexpected twist of fate revealed hours after the 11pm deadline, Balogun decided not to proceed with the move. It remains unclear why he opted not to sign.
He will go back to Monaco, who are in the midst of serious financial issues and were relying on the Balogun to Everton transaction to go through.
The Ligue 1 leaders had the opportunity to sell midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea but pulled the plug on the deal at the 11th hour, much to the fury of the west London club.
Balogun’s withdrawal also leaves Everton in a very precarious position in terms of their attacking options for the rest of the season.
Jack Grealish returned to the club for a second spell but Everton allowed Iliman Ndiaye join Manchester City in a £60million deal.
Beto joined Fiorentina in the final days of the summer window, making Thierno Barry their only recognised senior centre forward.
Wingers Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling are options for Moyes to use in attacking areas.
Balogun’s wait to return to the Premier League after a three-year absence goes on; the 25-year-old previously being at Arsenal, having boosted his reputation at Monaco.
Balogun has scored 31 goals in 91 matches across all competitions for the Ligue 1 team, while he has 12 goals from 31 caps for the USA.
Balogun’s Arsenal career
Balogun came through Arsenal’s famed academy and went on to make ten first team appearances for the club, including two in the Premier League.
The 2022/23 campaign proved a breakthrough year for Balogun truly as he scored 22 goals while on loan at French outfit Reims.
Balogun’s haul prompted Monaco to sign him for an initial £25.7million in August 2023.
The ex-Gunners prodigy has since netted 24 league goals for Monaco and was named their Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign.
Folarin Balogun and controversy at the World Cup
Balogun also found himself at the centre of a political storm during this summer’s World Cup.
He was sent off for the United States during their Round of 32 contest against Bosnia, which the co-hosts won 2-0.
The red card meant Balogun picked up a one-match suspension, which ruled him out of the USMNT’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium.
However, Balogun’s ban was controversially overturned following intervention from United States president Donald Trump.
Balogun’s return ultimately mattered little as Belgium romped to a 4-1 win.
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