Everton’s pursuit of Folarin Balogun has collapsed at the final stage, leaving David Moyes and the club’s recruitment team with a major problem after a dramatic deadline day twist. According to The Athletic, the United States international decided against completing the move after late complications, despite Everton having already pushed deep into the process with Monaco.
This was far from a routine transfer that simply ran out of time. Everton had worked to renegotiate terms with Monaco after concerns emerged during Balogun’s medical. They then filed a dealsheet with the Premier League in an attempt to secure the extra window needed to finish the paperwork beyond the 11pm BST deadline. Even then, the expectation around Finch Farm was that a route remained open. Instead, Balogun chose not to continue and left without signing.
For Everton, that detail matters. This was not a case of Monaco pulling away or the numbers becoming impossible. The club had stayed at the table, tried to reshape the structure and remained hopeful that an agreement could still be salvaged. In the end, the player made the call.
Balogun Transfer Leaves Everton Short Up Front
The timing makes the setback even more severe. Everton had already allowed Beto to leave for Fiorentina, a significant decision in itself given the need for reliable depth in attacking areas. Iliman Ndiaye has also moved on to Manchester City, further reducing the options in the final third. Tyrique George has arrived permanently from Chelsea, while Jack Grealish has returned on loan from Manchester City, but neither development truly addresses the obvious need for a central striker ready to carry the line.
Photo IMAGO
That is why Balogun had become such a priority. Everton had initially struck a deal with Monaco earlier in the day, with figures reported in the region of £40 million. Monaco sources had indicated an arrangement of €45million, £38.58m, plus €5million, £4.3m, in add-ons. Everton then sought…
..
