How Everton Treated Me: AS Monaco Director Shares Why Folarin Balogun’s Move Didn’t Happen
AS Monaco’s sporting director has shared why Folarin Balogun’s transfer to Everton fell through at the last minute on deadline day.
Everton were eager to sign a striker and had let Beto go back to Italy in a £17 million move to Fiorentina. They also asked about loan deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham, but nothing worked out.
Balogun, who plays for the US, was at the club and seemed ready to join Everton for around £40 million. However, Everton raised some concerns after his medical, which slowed things down. Even though paperwork was sent and the deal looked set, Balogun suddenly changed his mind and decided not to sign, despite both clubs having agreed.
At the same time, Chelsea were trying to buy Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara for £47 million. After their talks collapsed, Chelsea called Monaco’s actions “deeply unprofessional.” In the end, both Balogun and Camara stayed at Monaco past the deadline.
On Wednesday, Thiago Scuro, in charge of Monaco’s transfers, explained what happened with both deals. He said Balogun wasn’t comfortable signing because he felt the club treated him poorly during the medical process.
Scuro said, “Balogun said he didn’t feel right with how the club and medical staff questioned his future and health. He didn’t want to sign a long contract with that feeling.”
He added that there was a clear agreement for Balogun to go to Everton, and Balogun even flew there for a medical. The plan was good for Monaco financially, balancing the season by selling Balogun and keeping Camara.
Later that day, Chelsea asked if Monaco would sell Camara after they sold a player in that position. The answer was no.
Around 7 pm, Everton raised questions about Balogun’s medical, which Monaco and Balogun’s staff thought made no sense. Everton spent a few hours reviewing, which is normal. But the media quickly reported Balogun was failing the medical. Chelsea saw this as a chance to try for Camara.
Monaco then started talks with Chelsea about Camara and informed the player and his agent. But by 10 pm, Everton realized the medical was fine. Monaco then told Chelsea that their deal was off.
Both clubs signed the contract to complete Balogun’s move, but at the last moment, Balogun decided not to sign.
Scuro said Balogun will soon talk with Monaco about his future and might still move this summer, as transfer windows are open in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
For Everton, not signing a striker is tough — they now only have one recognized striker, Thierno Barry. They did sign right-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles but only have 18 senior outfield players.
In a surprising twist, Everton have been offered former Manchester United star Anthony Martial. Martial, 30, has been a free agent for three months after leaving Mexican club Monterrey and is open to returning to the Premier League. Agents have contacted seven clubs about his availability.