Everton's £40m Folarin Balogun transfer collapses after medical issue and player withdraws

Everton's attempt to sign Monaco forward Folarin Balogun for a reported £40 million fell apart after the player changed his mind following a medical examination. Balogun arrived at Everton's training ground on deadline day to complete the transfer, but the medical raised a concern that delayed the paperwork. Monaco then turned its attention to midfielder Lamine Camara, who had been in negotiations with Chelsea.

Everton renegotiated terms with Monaco in an effort to revive the Balogun deal, prompting Monaco to pause the Camara transaction. Chelsea, which had a written agreement to acquire Camara, said the club withdrew from the deal after the 11 p.m. deadline, leaving the Blues dissatisfied.

"Chelsea are really unhappy with the way Monaco behaved," said Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol, adding that the club believed the late-stage changes were not in line with standard business practice.

After midnight, Balogun confirmed he would not join Everton, ending the transfer saga. The collapse of the deal also meant Chelsea lost a potential replacement for Enzo Fernández, while Monaco's negotiations with both English clubs concluded without any completed transfers.