Full Breakdown
Balogun Omitted from Monaco’s UEFA Conference League Squad
9/4/2026, 7:52:37 PM
Background & Context
U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was on the verge of joining Premier League club Everton for a reported £40 million (approximately $54 million) on the final day of the summer transfer window. He withdrew from the deal after saying he felt uncomfortable with doubts raised about his health during Everton’s medical examination, according to Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro. The collapse of the transfer left Balogun’s future uncertain as Monaco seeks to balance its books under French league financial regulations.
Core Event
Monaco announced that Balogun will not be included in its UEFA Conference League squad and will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 match against Paris Saint-Germain. The club confirmed that Balogun is back in group training but has not featured in any of Monaco’s four matches this season. His name was absent from the squad list published by UEFA on the Thursday before the competition’s league phase, which begins on October 15.
Official Statements & Responses
Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Scuro explained that the striker pulled out of the Everton deal because of the medical-related concerns raised by the English club. Scuro added that Monaco remains under pressure to sell Balogun—or another high-value player—to generate revenue required to comply with the French league’s financial rules. He indicated that a move to a league where the transfer window is still open, such as the Saudi Pro League, remains a possibility; that window closes on October 12.
Data & Statistics
- Reported transfer fee for the aborted Everton move: £40 million ($54 million).
- Monaco’s season to date: Balogun has not appeared in any of the team’s four matches.
- Transfer-window deadlines referenced: Saudi Pro League window closes on October 12; Monaco’s Conference League campaign starts on October 15.
Impact & Next Steps
Monaco’s need to meet financial-fair-play requirements makes the sale of Balogun a priority. With the Saudi window closing on October 12, a transfer there could provide the needed funds before the Conference League begins. Until a new destination is secured, Balogun is expected to remain with Monaco but will continue to miss competitive fixtures, including the high-profile PSG encounter.
