Everton's attempted signing of Folarin Balogun collapses as USMNT striker withdraws

Everton’s pursuit of United States forward Folarin Balogun ended on deadline day when the 25-year-old declined to finalize the move and left the club’s training ground without signing a contract. The Premier League side had submitted a dealsheet to secure an extra two-hour window past the 11 p.m. BST deadline, after renegotiating terms with Monaco following concerns raised during Balogun’s medical.

Monaco and Everton had been discussing a reduced fixed fee with higher performance bonuses, after earlier reports suggested an initial €45 million fee plus potential add-ons. Sources close to Monaco said the original agreement was for €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, while Everton insiders estimated the total value at around £40 million.

Balogun, who scored 19 goals and provided five assists for Monaco in the 2025-26 season, had attracted interest from several clubs after a breakout World Cup performance. With the transfer collapsing, he remains at Monaco, though interest from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia has been reported.

Everton’s transfer activity this window also saw the departure of striker Beto to Fiorentina, the loan signing of Jack Grealish, and the acquisition of Tyrique George. The club now faces a shortage of attacking options, relying on 23-year-old Thierno Barry as its only senior striker, while also dealing with defensive exits.

The failed deal represents a significant setback for Everton as they head into the January transfer window.