How Folarin Balogun's Transfer to Everton Collapsed After Medical Tests

It looked like USMNT star Folarin Balogun was about to make a successful return to the Premier League this summer. At 25, Balogun attracted interest from clubs such as Barcelona and Aston Villa before an agreement with Everton started to take shape. As Deadline Day approached, both clubs reportedly reached terms, and Balogun was set for a medical with Everton.

Yet, the transfer faced last-minute issues and ultimately collapsed, causing disruption for all parties involved and creating a ripple effect across the transfer market.

What Happened During Balogun's Medical?

Reports from Fabrice Hawkins, Fabrizio Romano, and Ben Jacobs reveal that the deal nearly unraveled because of concerns raised during Balogun's medical examination at Everton. While medicals do not have official "pass" or "fail" results, something in the exam alarmed Everton enough to halt the transfer.

After renegotiating terms, Everton sought a brief extension from the Premier League to finalize the deal, and Balogun was ready to sign at the club’s training ground. However, in a surprising turn, Balogun himself decided not to proceed, leaving without signing, according to journalist David Ornstein.

The Mystery Behind the Medical Concerns

The exact issue found during the medical remains unclear and has not been publicly disclosed. Monaco and Balogun's representatives maintain he is fit and able to play, contradicting Everton’s reservations. As per Fabrizio Romano, "Monaco and player's camp insist Folarin is ready to play and there are no issues."

Balogun's Next Steps Post-Deadline

With the transfer window closed and no alternative moves secured, Balogun must now return to AS Monaco. The reunion may be uneasy since both sides wanted to part ways, but he is expected to stay with Monaco for the time being, possibly reconsidering his options in January.

Last season, Balogun scored 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances. This season, he will compete in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Conference League with Monaco.

Monaco might still look to sell either Balogun or midfielder Lamine Camara to clubs in Turkey or Saudi Arabia before their respective transfer deadlines: September 4 for Turkey’s Super Lig and October 12 for Saudi Arabia.

Transfer Market Chaos Triggered by the Collapse

Everton’s collapse on the Balogun deal forced rapid adjustments. After selling striker Beto to Fiorentina earlier in the day, Everton urgently sought a replacement, quickly moving to loan Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United to partner Thierno Barry. Once the Balogun deal seemed back on track, the Zirkzee move was cancelled.

Meanwhile, Monaco found themselves in trouble after the failed transfer saga. Facing a €50 million deficit and missing out on Champions League qualification, the club had tried to balance finances by agreeing to sell Lamine Camara to Chelsea, who needed reinforcements following Enzo Fernandez's departure.

When the Balogun deal appeared salvageable, Monaco pulled out of the Camara agreement at the last moment. Reports say Chelsea's management was furious, branding Monaco's conduct as "very unprofessional." When Balogun then walked away from Everton, Monaco was left with neither player sold and a big financial problem.

The delay also disrupted Monaco’s squad planning. Balogun's expected exit was meant to open a spot for Mexican international Erik Lira. But with the French transfer window closing earlier than England's, Monaco couldn't register Lira, missing out on that opportunity too.