Folarin Balogun has finally addressed the failed Everton move that threatened to become one of the more awkward stories of the summer window, and his comments will only keep the Premier League transfer conversation alive.
As credited to Talksport, the Monaco forward has admitted that a future move back to England remains firmly on the table after his proposed £40 million switch to Everton broke down late in the process. The deal had advanced to an extremely delicate stage on deadline day, with Everton initially moving towards an agreement before concerns during the medical forced fresh discussions with Monaco.
That renegotiation led to a revised package, including a reduced fee and appearance-related add-ons, and for a period it looked as though the transfer could still be rescued. Instead, the move unraveled completely, first with a missed flight to England and then with Balogun deciding against joining David Moyes’ side, despite a dealsheet already being lodged.
Photo: IMAGO
Balogun keeps Premier League transfer door open
Speaking after returning to action for Monaco, Balogun did little to shut down speculation over his long-term future. Asked whether a Premier League move still appealed, he said: “Yes, potentially. “Football has many twists and turns as we’ve seen after the World Cup. “I was close to a transfer, didn’t materialise, but for sure it’s definitely an option.”
Those remarks matter. Clubs will hear them as a clear signal that Balogun remains open to England, even if Everton were ultimately unable to get this one over the line. For recruitment departments, availability and willingness are two different issues, and Balogun appears to have clarified one of them.
Everton transfer setback remains significant
From Everton’s perspective, the episode was damaging because it suggested the club had done the hard part, only for the move to collapse at the final hurdle. A striker profile of Balogun’s age and pedigree rarely becomes…
..
