Everton’s Folarin Balogun move swung from agreement to collapse on deadline day. Everton and Monaco had reached a deal, but the transfer never made it to the line as late medical issues, renegotiation and a last-minute change of heart took over.
The agreement, medical issues and renegotiation
The sequence mattered. Everton and Monaco had agreed terms ahead of the deadline, and Balogun then underwent his medical. Reports followed that he had failed it, but the move was still alive and the sides kept talking.
Fabrizio Romano said: "Everton and AS Monaco are in direct talks to sort issues trying to get Folarin Balogun deal done."
That was followed by a more optimistic update: "Everton and AS Monaco now believe they have all set to complete Folarin Balogun deal." Romano also added, "Documents being exchanged."
By that stage, the deal looked close enough for Everton to think they had their striker. It still fell apart late, which is why this is being read as a collapse rather than a clean completion.
What Everton did after the move stalled
The failed move landed harder because Everton had already agreed to sell Beto to Fiorentina earlier in the day. They also explored a late move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee after the Balogun issues emerged, which tells you how quickly the club were forced to keep moving.
A separate deadline-day arrival did at least give Everton some positive news. Jack Grealish said: "I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans."
But the Balogun story is the one that will stick. Everton thought they had a deal, then had to renegotiate after medical concerns, and still ended up empty-handed when the striker walked away at the end.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
