Full Breakdown
Everton’s Failed Bid for USMNT Striker Folarin Balogun
9/2/2026, 2:08:27 AM
Transfer Collapse on Deadline Day
Everton’s attempt to sign 25-year-old forward Folarin Balogun fell apart after the United States international chose not to finalize the move. The Premier League club had renegotiated a deal with Monaco and submitted a dealsheet to secure an extra two-hour grace period past the league’s deadline, but Balogun left the Finch Farm training ground without signing. Monaco sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated the original agreement comprised an initial €45 million fee with a possible €5 million in add-ons. Everton sources placed the valuation at roughly £40 million. Following the collapse, Everton made an unsuccessful offer for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirzkee, which United rejected, citing insufficient time to replace their own striker.
Balogun’s Recent Performance
Balogun entered the summer as a breakout star for the USMNT, scoring twice in the opening win over Paraguay and again in the round-of-32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina before a controversial red-card suspension was overturned. In the 2025-26 season with Monaco, he recorded 19 goals and five assists across 43 appearances, his best tally since joining from Arsenal in 2023. His earlier loan spell at Reims in 2022-23 produced 22 goals in 39 matches. Arsenal retains a 17.5 percent sell-on clause from his 2023 transfer.
Impact on Everton’s Squad
The failed transfer leaves Everton with only one senior striker, 23-year-old Thierno Barry, on the books after the earlier sale of Beto to Fiorentina. The club also faces shortages at full-back following the permanent move of Nathan Patterson to Torino and the loan of Adam Aznou to Malaga. Everton’s recent signings—Tyrique George on a permanent deal from Chelsea and Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City—provide limited cover, increasing pressure on Barry and other versatile players to fill the attacking void until the January window.
Prospects for Balogun
With the English window closed, Balogun remains at Monaco for the remainder of the season. The Turkish transfer window stays open, and Galatasaray has previously expressed interest, while the Saudi window also remains active. A reintegration with Monaco until at least January is possible, though future moves cannot be ruled out.
