Folarin Balogun’s transfer to Everton fell apart at the last minute on transfer deadline day, and AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has explained why.
On transfer deadline day, AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun was set to sign for Everton in a €50m package that would see Arsenal cashing in on their 17.5% sell-on clause.
Yet that move was thrown into doubt amid reports that Balogun had failed his medical.
After further review, Everton ultimately still wanted to proceed with the deal, and it looked to be going ahead. But the player pulled out at the last minute, and initial reports didn’t explain why.
Speaking to the media, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro gave his version of events, and he explained why Balogun decided not to go ahead with the transfer.
“We had a clear agreement for Balogun to go to Everton,” Scuro revealed (via BBC Sport). “Balogun flew yesterday morning to complete his medical and sign a contract. Everything was going pretty well. Around 19:00 we were contacted by Everton, who raised concerns about Balogun’s medical.
“It took around two or three hours to go through the assessments, consult other doctors and review the scans. Around 22:00 our time, maybe a bit earlier, Everton realised there was no issue and decided they were ready to sign the contract.
“I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player decided not to sign.
“Basically, Balogun’s position was: ‘I’m not feeling comfortable with the way the club treated me. I’m not comfortable with the doubts raised about my future or my health. I have no issue, so I’m not comfortable signing a contract here.'”
That’s a fair position to take, particularly as Balogun’s ‘failed medical’ had immediately leaked to the media. Everton clearly made no efforts to keep the news quiet, despite the impact it could have on the public perception of the player.
Arsenal will retain their sell-on clause for future windows, but whether Monaco receive another bid for a similar amount is far from certain. The striker’s deal expires in 2028, and he won’t have a World Cup to showcase his talents again next summer.
Unless the 25-year-old has a fantastic 2026/27 season, it’s likely a transfer next year won’t hit the same figure in that context.
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