Balogun transfer saga explained: Why he pulled out at the last minute

The final hours of last Tuesday, deadline day across the five major European leagues, brought plenty of twists and turns in the deal between Everton and AS Monaco for Folarin Balogun. In the end, the transfer fell through, and more details are now starting to emerge.

Speaking at a press conference, Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro went into detail about what happened, as well as the knock-on effect it had on Lamine Camara, the midfielder who came close to joining Chelsea.

“Balogun flew to Liverpool to undergo his medical. Balo’s departure would not only have freed up space on the wage bill, but also brought in significant funds to help balance the books and keep Lamine.”

However, things soon took an unexpected turn.

“Around 7pm, we received a call from Everton raising doubts about Balo’s medical, something that made no sense to either our club or the player’s representatives.

“They needed more time to clarify a few points from the medical. Then reports started appearing in the press suggesting the deal was in danger, and Chelsea, who had already been in contact with us about Lamine, came back in for him, partly because we might need to raise funds.

“Of course, we were open to negotiating with Chelsea and contacted Lamine and his agents. Around 10pm, Everton confirmed they were going ahead with Balogun, so we told Chelsea that Lamine’s transfer would no longer happen.

“We signed the contracts, and Everton did too, but Balogun refused to sign at the last moment.”

Scuro said Balogun was unhappy with how Everton had handled the situation and the doubts raised over his medical.

“Balogun explained that he was not comfortable with the way Everton had treated him, or with the way the medical staff had raised doubts about his future and health. He did not feel comfortable signing a long-term contract with them.”

According to reports in the English media, although Scuro did not confirm them, Everton changed some of the terms of their offer after concerns were raised during the medical, adding more performance-related clauses to the fee.

Balogun’s decision ultimately left several clubs and players affected. If the American does not find a move to one of the markets still open, Monaco will miss out on the significant funds they had expected to receive.

Everton, meanwhile, are now left with just one natural striker after Beto joined Fiorentina. Thierno Barry is currently their only recognised centre-forward.

And then there is Chelsea. The collapse of their late move for Lamine Camara denied the Blues a midfield addition, just hours after Enzo Fernández’s big-money departure.