Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton collapsed in extraordinary circumstances on Deadline Day. More than a week later, his situation at Monaco remains uncertain.
The striker came close to joining Everton in a reported £40m deal before concerns emerged during his medical and the terms of the agreement were renegotiated.
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro subsequently claimed Balogun decided not to sign because he was unhappy with the way doubts over his fitness had been raised. David Moyes gave a rather simpler explanation, saying the player had encountered a problem during his medical and that such things happen in football.
Balogun yet to play for Monaco this season
Balogun returned to Monaco but has since been left out of their squad for the league phase of the Conference League. The 25-year-old was also absent for Friday’s Ligue 1 game against Paris Saint-Germain. Monaco confirmed that he was back in group training, but he has yet to play a single minute for the club this season.
Scuro said after the Everton deal collapsed that Balogun could still move to a country where the transfer window remained open. For now, though, he remains at Monaco and outside their European squad. It is another twist in a transfer saga which left Everton without the additional striker Moyes wanted.
The Toffees have since been linked with several free agents as they consider whether there is still a way of strengthening their attacking options before January. Balogun, meanwhile, is back training with Monaco and waiting for his first appearance of the season.
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