Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Scuro told reporters on Wednesday that a proposed move for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to Everton fell apart in the final hours of the European summer transfer window. Scuro said Balogun underwent a medical examination at Everton on Tuesday afternoon. Three hours later, with only four hours left before the deadline, Everton contacted Monaco and expressed doubts about the medical results, a concern that “made no sense” to both clubs’ medical staff, according to Scuro.
After further discussions between the clubs’ medical departments, Everton reportedly indicated it was ready to complete the signing. At the last moment, however, Balogun decided not to sign, citing discomfort with how the English club handled the medical process. “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,” Scuro quoted the player as saying. “I have nothing wrong with my health, so I’m not comfortable to sign a long contract here.”
Impact on Everton’s striking options
The aborted deal leaves Everton with only one senior striker, Thierno Barry, after backup forward Beto was sold to Fiorentina on deadline day. Fans have expressed frustration on social media, questioning the club’s handling of the transfer and its ability to field a competitive attacking line‑up for the upcoming season.
Everton’s owners, the Texas‑based Friedkin Group, have not responded to requests for comment. The club’s leadership now faces pressure to address the striker shortage before the season begins.
Balogun’s recent history and presidential involvement
Balogun, a New York‑born forward, was a standout for the United States at the recent World Cup. He received a red card in the round‑of‑32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the suspension was deferred after President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The intervention allowed Balogun to play in the round of 16, where the United States fell 4‑1 to Belgium. The episode sparked a formal ethics complaint to FIFA and generated widespread debate in the soccer community.
Balogun has not issued a public statement regarding the failed Everton move. Scuro indicated that the player still has two years left on his contract with Monaco and that the club remains open to offers, noting that “we still have markets that have the financial capacity to do something.”
Monaco’s financial pressures and future options
Monaco is under pressure to generate revenue to comply with Ligue 1’s financial regulations. The club had already begun talks with Chelsea over midfielder Lamine Camara after the Balogun deal appeared to collapse, but that negotiation also fell through when Everton reversed its decision. Scuro said the club’s financial plan was proceeding smoothly until the last‑minute setback.
With the European window now closed, Monaco may look to leagues whose windows remain open, such as Turkey (closing Friday) and Saudi Arabia (closing Oct. 12), for potential suitors. The club’s next match is an away fixture against defending champion Paris Saint‑Germain on Friday.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
