Twist on deadline night! USMNT star's Premier League return hangs by a thread
The Folarin Balogun saga has taken a late and brutal turn: a deal that looked done 24 hours ago is now in real danger of collapsing before the window shuts.
Details: According to L'Equipe, the United States striker could remain at AS Monaco, and his proposed transfer to Everton is now in serious doubt. Only yesterday Fabrizio Romano had given the move his here we go, with a club to club agreement at €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, personal terms on a four year deal with a one year option, and a medical scheduled for Tuesday.
If this falls through, it would be a heavy blow for the Toffees, who have been scrambling for a new No.9 after Iliman Ndiaye left for Manchester City and Beto joined Fiorentina. Balogun, 25, left Arsenal for Monaco in 2023 in a £35 million deal and is under contract until 2028. Last season he scored 13 Ligue 1 goals and added 4 assists in 30 appearances, taking his Monaco league tally to 24 goals and 9 assists in 72 matches. He also caught the eye at the World Cup, netting 3 times for the United States before their knockout exit against Belgium. BBC Sport had reported a £40 million fee agreed with the clubs, while Romano's figures put the package closer to €50 million with bonuses. Time, however, is now the enemy: the English window is in its final hours, and any delay on personal terms or the medical would be enough to keep the American in the Principality.
It's worth noting that Transfermarkt currently values Balogun at €23 million, meaning even the lower end of Everton's bid would have represented a clear profit for Monaco if the paperwork had been completed on time.
Reminder: Another boost for the Toffees! Everton agree deal for USMNT striker Balogun.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
