Folarin Balogun ultimately abandoned his proposed move to Everton after expressing discomfort with the medical evaluation process, Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Scuro confirmed on Wednesday. The 25-year-old attacker had appeared close to completing a $52 million transfer, with both clubs having finalized terms and renegotiated the deal to include performance-based incentives following Everton’s medical assessment. However, the player himself withdrew from the agreement at the last moment, leaving Monaco without the anticipated financial proceeds and Everton without the striker they had targeted.
Earlier that day, Balogun had reported to Everton’s Finch Farm training facility to finalize the switch. Despite the medical being completed and both parties agreeing to terms, Monaco’s medical and the player’s own medical team raised concerns during the evaluation. Scuro stated that Everton’s medical department identified issues requiring further discussion, prompting a several-hour review involving additional specialists. The Monaco official emphasized that such medical inquiries are routine, noting that complications often arise during club-to-club assessments.
According to Scuro, Balogun expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived handling of his medical examination, claiming it negatively impacted his confidence in the transfer. Speaking at a press conference, Scuro detailed that the player felt the medical process raised unnecessary questions about his future at Everton, despite having no actual fitness or health concerns. The refusal to proceed left Monaco navigating a challenging financial position amid reduced Champions League revenues and regulatory pressures from the DNCG, prompting the club to explore alternative transfer windows in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and MLS for potential exits.
Scuro confirmed that while the contractual agreement between Monaco and Everton was signed, Balogun ultimately chose not to proceed, citing discomfort with the medical process as a key factor. He stated that Monaco had accepted the player’s decision and remained open to future opportunities, including Balogun’s potential return to the starting XI under manager Felipe Luis. The club acknowledged that transfer windows across different leagues offered additional time to finalize deals, with Scuro emphasizing ongoing discussions about both Balogun’s status and other squad members.
