Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro stated that U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun decided not to proceed with a transfer to Everton, valued at approximately $54 million, at the final hour due to concerns about how the club managed his medical.
Scuro explained that while both clubs had reached an agreement and Balogun had traveled to Liverpool for his medical, Everton later raised issues that required further investigation. Although the club eventually cleared the player, they requested additional time to finalize the paperwork before the transfer deadline.
However, Balogun expressed a lack of comfort with the situation. "Basically, Balogun’s position was: ‘I’m not feeling comfortable with the way the club treated me. I’m not comfortable with the doubts raised about my future or my health. I have no issue, so I’m not comfortable signing a contract here,’" Scuro said, as reported by BBC Sport.
This transfer development follows Balogun's prominent role in the World Cup for the American team, where he scored three goals. During the tournament, Balogun was involved in a controversial incident resulting in a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was later rescinded.
Balogun joined Monaco from Arsenal in August 2023 and has spent the last three seasons with the French club. He has scored 31 goals in 91 appearances for Monaco.