Folarin Balogun may need to consider a transfer to a club in the Turkey or Saudi Pro League this week as AS Monaco continues to seek ways to offload the US men’s national team forward after his $45 million transfer to Everton fell through.
The 25-year-old forward called off his move to the Premier League club in the early hours of Wednesday after both clubs were granted extra time beyond the 2300 BST transfer deadline to renegotiate his transfer terms, following complications that arose from his medical assessment at Everton’s Finch Farm training facility.
Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Scuro stated at a press conference on Wednesday that Balogun decided against the transfer due to concerns about how he was treated by Everton during the medical process.
Sources informed ESPN that Everton was made aware of some “significant issues” stemming from the medical examination.
Given that Ligue 1 side Monaco needs to clear some contracts from their roster, Scuro mentioned that they are now exploring options in other markets for Balogun, as the transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia remain open until September 4 and October 12, respectively.
“We are still waiting for Balo to reconnect with us so we can discuss the next steps,” Scuro remarked. “There are still other markets available, and we are considering various players, including Balo.
“Let’s see what unfolds by Thursday, as we have markets that can proceed with deals, and that’s where we currently stand.”
ESPN sources indicated that Everton and Monaco had adjusted the terms of the $45 million agreement after the medical issues arose, allowing both clubs, along with Balogun, to sign a Deal Sheet before the 11 p.m. deadline to request a two-hour extension from the Premier League.
The submission of a Deal Sheet mandates that all involved parties must sign it for the Premier League to grant said extension.
However, despite the signed Deal Sheet, Scuro mentioned that Balogun ultimately decided to withdraw from the transfer.
“Balogun expressed concerns, stating that he felt uneasy about the way he was treated by the club and the uncertainties raised about his health during the medical. This made him uncomfortable with signing a long-term contract at this stage,” Scuro explained.
“Earlier in the day, we had a solid agreement for Balogun to join Everton, and he even traveled to Liverpool for his medical. Then, around 7 p.m., we received a call from Everton raising concerns about Balo’s medical results—concerns that our medical staff found to be completely unfounded.”
“This dialogue continued for two to three hours as Everton’s team reviewed the assessment, which is standard in such situations.”
“The Premier League allows for an extra hour for completing paperwork, and we managed to finish the paperwork between Balogun and Everton just five minutes before the window closed. I signed the contract, Everton signed its portion, and at the last moment, the player opted not to sign.”
ESPN sources also relayed that Everton was frustrated by Balogun’s tardy arrival via private jet from France, coupled with Monaco’s delay in providing the necessary medical documentation to finalize the deal earlier in the day.
Once it became evident that Balogun’s transfer was off due to the medical outcome, Monaco initiated talks to transfer midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea, only to abandon that deal at the last minute, believing Balogun’s transfer would proceed.
“It was already circulating in the media that Balogun had failed the medical, so Chelsea saw an opportunity,” Scuro reflected. “‘Monaco needs funds, and Balo appears to be in trouble, so why not take the chance?’ That’s the nature of the business.
“At that point, we had to entertain discussions for Lamine [Camara], and I updated both the player and his agent about the situation while negotiations for Lamine’s transfer to Chelsea commenced.
“Meanwhile, the conversation regarding Balogun’s medical was still ongoing. Around 10 p.m., Everton realized there were no issues.”
“Once we had that confirmation, we went back to Chelsea to inform them that we were moving forward with our agreement and that the deal for Lamine was off.”
“This is just part of the game.”