Folarin Balogun Scuppers £40m Everton Move Over Medical Treatment Concerns

A high-profile transfer involving United States international Folarin Balogun collapsed in the final moments of the window after the striker refused to sign with Everton. The proposed £40 million move from Monaco was abandoned just minutes before the deadline, leaving the Premier League club without their primary attacking target.

Monaco managing director Thiago Scuro confirmed that all formal documentation had been prepared and signed by both clubs. However, the deal fell apart when the 25-year-old forward personally intervened to halt the transfer, expressing deep frustration regarding the conduct of the Everton medical staff during his assessment.

“At the last moment, the player decided not to sign,” Scuro told reporters. “The allegation of Balogun is that: ‘I’m not feeling well by the way the club treated me. I’m not feeling well by the way the medical department of Everton brought doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing, so I’m not comfortable to sign a long contract here.’”

For Monaco, the collapse of the deal presents a financial challenge, as the club had budgeted for the sale of the striker, who has netted 31 goals in 91 appearances. The French side had previously considered offloading midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea but abandoned those plans under the assumption that Balogun would depart. With some international transfer windows still active, Scuro indicated that further discussions regarding Balogun’s future remain a possibility.

Balogun previously made headlines during the World Cup, where he was at the center of a controversy involving a red card suspension that allowed him to feature in a 4-1 loss to Belgium. The striker, born in New York City and raised in London, remains a key figure for Monaco as the club navigates the final days of various open transfer markets.