Balogun transfer heartbreak as Everton deal collapses

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

USMNT star Folarin Balogun has had his hopes of a transfer to the Premier League dashed, with the striker having reportedly failed his medical with Everton.

Balogun was widely expected to complete a €50 million move to David Moyes’ side from the Ligue 1 outfit, but French media outlet RMC Sport reports that USA’s World Cup hero has seen the deal breakdown at the last moment.

Everton had reached a full agreement with Monaco over the fee, but the last-minute checks over the former Arsenal player’s fitness have thrown up an issue.

Current ETV

Folarin Balogun

F (C)

Monaco

Folarin Balogun

F (C)

Monaco

€20.7M

ETV Range

€18.6M - €22.8M

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RMC states: “His transfer to Everton was imminent, but Monaco's American striker Folarin Balogun failed his medical with the Toffees, according to our information. A move to the Liverpool club now seems very unlikely, unless there's a last-minute change of heart.”

An unspecified problem

Balogun has not played for Monaco this season after picking up what Monaco claimed was a small injury while with the USA on international duty this summer.

Speaking two weeks ago, head coach Filipe Luis commented: “Folarin has just started his preseason; he came back late from the World Cup and had to recover from a minor injury he picked up with his national team. He couldn't train any further. He rejoined the group this week, and we hope he will continue to do so soon.”

It is unclear if his failed medical is part of a related issue.

Everton face striker shortage

Everton now face being left desperately short offensively having already agreed to let Beto sign for Fiorentina in a deal worth €18m earlier on Deadline Day. In addition to this, Iliman Ndiaye is expected to complete a move to Manchester City, further depleting their attacking options.

In terms of centre-forwards, they boast Thierno Barry, who has hit the ground running this term by scoring four times in three games after a difficult first season. Former Chelsea youngster Tyrique George is their only other option.

A blow for the in-form Balogun

For Balogun, meanwhile, the collapse of this deal represents a major personal setback.

The American had been flying in the second half of last term for Monaco, notably scoring in eight successive league matches – a season record among players in Europe’s Big 5 leagues tied with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.

Balogun then had an eventful World Cup in which he was caught up in one of the great controversies of the competition. Sent-off against Bosnia in the round of 32, US President Donald Trump intervened to have his ban overturned so he could play in the subsequent match against Belgium. The US lost the game 3-1, with Balogun looking out of sorts as he finished the tournament with three goals in four appearances and his reputation enhanced.

A big move to the Premier League was expected this summer and Everton appeared primed to provide it before the deal ultimately collapsed due to a failed medical.

He now faces the prospect of spending at least until January with Monaco, at which point the opportunity for a move could reopen.