Everton endured a frustrating end to the summer transfer window after their proposed £40 million move for Folarin Balogun collapsed.
The Toffees had targeted another striker before the deadline and submitted a deal sheet to extend negotiations beyond 11pm. Balogun had also travelled to Merseyside to undergo his medical.
Everton entered deadline day after completing significant business throughout the summer. Iliman Ndiaye joined Manchester City for £65 million.
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish moved in the opposite direction on loan. Additionally, Nathan Patterson joined Torino, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles arriving from Lyon.
Everton had already added Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, Christian Norgaard and Brennan Johnson earlier in the window.
However, Balogun appeared set to become their major late attacking addition before concerns emerged during his medical.
AS Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has now explained why the United States international eventually refused to complete his Everton move.
Speaking at a press conference (via BBC Sport), Scuro said Everton raised questions about Balogun’s medical at around 7pm, which Monaco’s staff believed were unjustified. Scuro explained:
“The explanations were not enough to justify or bring concerns for the future of the player.”
The discussions between the medical departments subsequently continued for several hours. According to Scuro, Everton eventually concluded there was no problem at around 10pm.
Both clubs then signed the necessary contract, but Balogun ultimately decided against committing himself to Everton. Scuro said:
“I signed the contract, Everton signed the contract, at the last moment the player decided not to sign.”
He also revealed Balogun’s concerns about how Everton handled the medical situation had influenced that decision. Scuro explained Balogun’s position:
“I’m not feeling well by the way the club treated me, the way the medical team brought doubts about my future or my health.”
He added that Balogun felt ‘not comfortable to sign a long contract here’ following the episode.
Consequently, the £40 million transfer collapsed despite Everton and Monaco reaching an agreement and signing their respective paperwork.
Folarin Balogun therefore remained with Monaco beyond the Premier League deadline. So, it leaves Everton without the additional striker they had pursued during the final hours of the window.
Transfer News Live also revealed that a former Manchester United striker has been offered to Everton.
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