Folarin Balogun's Everton Move Collapses After Deadline: Striker Walks Away

Everton's pursuit of Folarin Balogun ended in dramatic fashion on deadline day, with the club's £40m deal to sign the American striker collapsing after the transfer window closed. According to multiple reports, Balogun walked away from the move at the 11th hour, leaving the Toffees with only one senior centre-forward heading into the season.

A Deal Unravels

Everton had agreed a deal worth around £40m with Monaco for the 25-year-old on Monday night, with personal terms reportedly settled for Balogun to join as a replacement for Beto, who was sold to Fiorentina earlier in the day. However, the deal hit a major hurdle on Deadline Day when complications emerged during the player's medical.

As reported by several outlets, including GIVEMESPORT and The Independent, Everton looked to renegotiate the agreement, restructuring the fee to lower the initial payment and increase add-ons. The Guardian noted that Everton submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League, which would have granted them an extra two hours to complete the paperwork beyond the 11pm deadline.

Despite these efforts, Balogun ultimately decided against the move. GIVEMESPORT reported that he left the club's training ground without signing, while The Independent and Liverpool Echo both carried the understanding that he walked away from the transfer. The collapse came after the window had slammed shut, leaving Everton unable to pivot to an alternative signing.

Everton's Deadline Day Scramble

The failed Balogun deal was the culmination of a chaotic final day of the transfer window for Everton. The club raised around £90m in player sales, including Iliman Ndiaye's £60m move to Manchester City (plus £5m in add-ons), Beto's £15.5m transfer to Fiorentina, and an undisclosed fee for Nathan Patterson to Torino. According to The Guardian, Tim Iroegbunam also departed to Hull for an initial £15m.

With Balogun's move in doubt, Everton explored late alternatives. They enquired with Manchester United about a season-long loan for Joshua Zirkzee, but the Red Devils rejected the proposal. The Guardian also reported that Everton asked Aston Villa about Tammy Abraham, but the striker preferred to remain at Villa Park.

In the closing hours, Everton did complete several incoming deals. Jack Grealish rejoined the club on a season-long loan from Manchester City, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles signed from Lyon for around £4.2m on a three-year contract, ending the club's long search for a right-back. A proposed £9m deal for Fulham's Kenny Tete fell through, as reported by The Guardian, because the Cottagers could not secure a replacement in time.

Striking Concerns for Moyes

The collapse of the Balogun deal leaves David Moyes with Thierno Barry as his only senior centre-forward, as confirmed by multiple reports. The Guardian noted that Brennan Johnson could offer some support, but the squad is now reduced to 18 senior outfield players. Grealish, who could make his second Everton debut against Manchester United on Sunday, expressed his excitement at returning, saying, "I'm so happy. I think I'm at my best at everything in life, not just football," as quoted by The Guardian.

Chelsea and Camara Situation

The Balogun saga also had implications for Chelsea's transfer plans. According to GIVEMESPORT, Monaco needed to sell before the deadline due to their financial situation, and a move for midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea was back on the table after Balogun's deal was thrown into doubt. However, The Independent reported that Monaco pulled the plug on a £47m deal for Camara, with Chelsea reportedly furious over the development. Sports Mole cited a TEAMtalk report suggesting Monaco backed out of the Camara deal when it became apparent Everton were still pushing for Balogun, as Monaco were reluctant to lose both stars so close to the deadline.

GIVEMESPORT initially reported that Balogun's move could impact Chelsea's pursuit of Camara, but The Independent stated that the collapse of the Balogun deal would not revive Chelsea's interest, leaving the Blues to continue their search for a midfielder after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125m.