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Folarin Balogun could complete a transfer to a new club within days despite walking out on Everton on deadline day, sources have told Football Insider. The 25-year-old attended a medical at Finch Farm before late complications and personal doubts led him to reject the deal at the final hour.
His departure left Everton short up front, with just one registered striker on the books, while Monaco were placed under financial pressure given their need to sell in order to balance the books for UEFA compliance.
Saudi Pro League Window Keeps Balogun Move Alive
With European windows now closed, Balogun’s transfer options narrow to markets still active. The Saudi Pro League window remains open until 6 October, giving clubs in that competition a clear runway to negotiate with Monaco. Saudi sides are understood to have been monitoring Monaco’s situation closely, aware of the club’s financial urgency.
As reported on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Monaco are prepared to sanction a departure if a concrete offer arrives. The club’s need to generate transfer income for UEFA financial regulations makes them receptive to proposals, even outside Europe.
“Everton thought they were getting Folarin Balogun, a deal was agreed between them and Monaco. He had his medical at Finch Farm as well but then Everton weren’t too happy with the medical and tried to renegotiate the deal. Everton had signed it off, Monaco had signed it off, but then Balogun decided he didn’t want to proceed with the move. It leaves Monaco in a bit of a sticky position because they might still have to sell some players to another different country where their window is still open. They need to bring in some of that money for UEFA regulations otherwise they could find themselves in a bit of a bother this season as well. So clubs in Saudi Arabia, for example, where the window is still open, could look at that situation and maybe look to tempt Balogun away from Monaco after all.”
How Everton Undermined Their Own Signing
Balogun’s withdrawal on deadline day was a direct consequence of how Everton handled the process. Following an initial medical, the club attempted to use the findings to renegotiate the fee and wage structure, a move that soured the striker’s confidence in the deal.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness confirmed to Football Insider on 3 September that the club sought to leverage Balogun’s medical results to cut the price tag and reduce wages. A revised deal was eventually agreed between the parties, but by that point, Balogun had lost faith in the process and walked away. Football Insider had reported on 4 September that the USA international was unhappy throughout the final stages of the negotiation.
The Toffees had submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League and worked into the night to secure the signing, making the outcome a significant self-inflicted setback. The failed pursuit has sharpened scrutiny on their overall summer window, with questions continuing about recruitment strategy and execution at the club.
What Comes Next for Balogun
A return to European football before the Saudi window closes appears unlikely. The more probable route leads to the Middle East, where Monaco’s financial position and Balogun’s availability intersect with clubs actively seeking reinforcements. Any such move would represent a sharp pivot from what looked like an imminent Premier League switch just days ago.
Read also: Everton Eye Anthony Martial as Free-Agent Fix After Balogun Deadline Day Collapse
Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage as this transfer situation develops ahead of the Saudi Pro League deadline.