Folarin Balogun fails Everton medical; transfer now in doubt
Monaco forward failed his medical at Everton just before the English transfer window deadline, jeopardising Arsenal’s expected sell-on payment.
Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton has stalled after he failed the club’s medical, leaving the transfer in serious doubt just hours before the English window closes.
Balogun enjoyed a strong individual season with Monaco and arrived at the World Cup on the back of that form. A controversial development surrounding a rescinded red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina — “colloquially, it 'tarnished' him,” after interventions by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino — shadowed his tournament.
With the United States national team he then suffered a heavy defeat to Belgium (1:4), and an injury forced him to miss the start of the domestic season.
Transfer deadline pressure
Reports say he did not pass Everton’s medical and, given that the English transfer window closes at midnight, the deal now needs something close to a miracle to be completed in time.
Arsenal had been expecting the sale to Everton because they hold a 17.5% sell-on clause from when they sold the American to Monaco for €30,000,000; that arrangement could have netted Arsenal nearly €9,000,000, but those funds will have to wait while Balogun seeks a way forward.
Balogun came through Arsenal’s ranks, had loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims, and was purchased by Monaco in August 2023. He has recently turned 25 and still has time to secure a major move if he can return to full fitness and form.
Photo: FIFA World Cup Stats @alimo_philip (X)
