USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun has admitted a future move to the Premier League remains a possibility after he pulled the plug on his agreed transfer deadline day switch to Everton.
Everton wanted to make Balogun their biggest signing of the summer, agreeing a £40million deal with Monaco. However, the ECHO understands that after the player arrived at Finch Farm on a later flight than scheduled, issues arose over his medical. This prompted both clubs to renegotiate the fee, with Everton set to pay a lower base price with more potential add-ons, but personal terms for the 25-year-old remained the same.
Deal sheet lodged but Balogun backs out
With all parties seemingly fine to go ahead, a deal sheet was lodged to complete the transfer after the deadline passed, but Balogun let it be known that he no longer wanted to sign for the Blues and wished to go home.
With last season's top scorer Beto having joined Fiorentina earlier in the day, the snub left David Moyes with just one recognised striker (Thierno Barry) in a squad of just 18 outfield players, with mere solitary options in both the right-back and left-back positions.
Limited action at Monaco
Monaco currently top the Ligue 1 table after five matches but Balogun – who was left out of their UEFA Conference League squad in the wake of his failed move to Hill Dickinson Stadium – has only featured in 14 minutes of action so far this term, as a substitute for Matthis Abline at the end of their 2-1 home win over Lens on September 18.
Having travelled to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch Indianapolis Colts' win over Washington Commanders in the opening NFL London game of the season, Balogun – who played two Premier League games for Arsenal in the competition – was asked if it was still something he would want in the future. He told talkSPORT: “Yes, potentially.
“Football has many twists and turns as we’ve seen after the World Cup.
“I was close to a transfer, didn’t materialise, but for sure it’s definitely an option.”
Focus on finishing season well
Speaking about his return to Monaco, the Brooklyn-born player added: “It’s been a good start to the season.
“We’ve started the last three seasons well, so I think the focus is how you finish it. So, we take it step-by-step.”
