Medical Drama: Balogun's £40m Everton Move Collapses Over Treatment Concerns, Reveals Monaco Chief

In one of the most dramatic deadline-day collapses of the window, Folarin Balogun walked away from a £40 million transfer to Everton after being left unhappy with how the club handled his medical, according to Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro. The USA international had seemed destined for Goodison Park after signing a deal sheet shortly before 11pm — the crucial document that grants clubs additional time to complete a transfer. Yet in a remarkable twist, Balogun rejected the move shortly afterwards, leaving Everton empty-handed as the window slammed shut. Scuro has now pointed the finger firmly at the Merseyside club, suggesting their conduct during the medical process was behind the striker's late U-turn. Everton had renegotiated the structure of the fee with Monaco after discovering an issue with the player's medical — and it appears the way that situation was managed ultimately cost them the signing. The failed pursuit stung even more given Everton's frantic search for attacking reinforcements. The club had already come up short in attempts to land Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham on loan, making Balogun their priority target as the deadline loomed. Instead, they ended the window with nothing to show for their efforts up front. Scuro also took the opportunity to defend Monaco's eleventh-hour decision not to sell Lamine Camara to Chelsea, insisting the principality club acted with sound judgment despite the late disruption to all parties involved. For Balogun, the saga leaves his club future in limbo at a pivotal moment in his career. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching on home soil, the striker's need for regular football has never been greater as he looks to cement his place in the USMNT's plans for the tournament. A season of uncertainty in Monaco — or another collapsed move — would be the last thing he needs ahead of the biggest summer of his career. Whether Everton return for the forward when the window reopens remains to be seen, but on this evidence, any revived deal will require serious bridge-building after a night of recrimination on Merseyside. For now, Balogun remains a Monaco player, and the questions over his fitness and his future linger louder than ever. This article is based on original reporting by Guardian Football.