Everton’s summer transfer window ended in confusion after a near-complete deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapsed on deadline day due to medical concerns, forcing the club into a last-minute loan move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.
What Happened?
Everton had agreed a fee of around £40m with Monaco for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, with the 25-year-old travelling to Merseyside to complete his medical ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton’s medical staff raised concerns that Balogun was “not 100% fit,” a claim that Monaco and the player’s camp reportedly disputed.
Latest Update
With the dispute unresolved as the deadline approached, Everton moved quickly to identify a replacement, opening talks with Manchester United over a loan deal for Joshua Zirkzee. The Toffees had already sold forward Beto to Fiorentina for around £17m earlier in the window, leaving Thierno Barry as their only recognised senior centre-forward and adding urgency to the search for a replacement.
Why It Matters
- For Everton: The club needed a reliable goalscoring option before the new Premier League season gets fully underway, and the collapsed deal left a late gap up front.
- For Balogun: The USMNT forward, who was the joint top scorer for the United States at this year’s World Cup, now faces an uncertain immediate future after the move fell through.
- For Monaco: The Ligue 1 club must now decide whether to keep Balogun or continue searching for a buyer once other leagues’ windows reopen.
- For fans: Supporters were left checking the news throughout deadline day as the situation shifted from a near-certain signing to a completely different late move.
What Happens Next?
Everton’s move for Zirkzee was reported as advancing quickly following the Balogun collapse, though confirmation of a permanent transfer completing depends on the final paperwork before FA deadlines closed. Balogun’s next step with Monaco remains unclear.
Key Facts
- Everton’s £40m deal for Folarin Balogun collapsed after medical concerns on deadline day.
- The club pivoted to a loan enquiry for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
- Everton had already sold striker Beto to Fiorentina for around £17m.
- Balogun was USMNT’s joint top scorer at this year’s World Cup.
FAQ
Why did Everton’s Folarin Balogun transfer fall through?
Everton’s medical team reportedly raised concerns about his fitness, which Monaco and the player’s camp disputed.
Who did Everton target instead of Balogun?
Everton opened talks with Manchester United over a loan move for striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Is Folarin Balogun still an Everton target?
The move remains uncertain, and no confirmed agreement was reached before deadline day closed.
Which striker did Everton already sell this summer?
Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina for a reported £17m.
