Folarin Balogun says Premier League move is "definitely an option" after Everton deal collapsed
Folarin Balogun has confirmed a future Premier League move remains "definitely an option" after his £40 million transfer to Everton broke down on deadline day. The Monaco striker, who came through Arsenal's academy, also missed a flight to England before deciding against joining David Moyes' side.
- Player: Folarin Balogun, 25, Monaco forward
- Proposed deal: £40m move to Everton, collapsed on deadline day
- Stage reached: Medical concerns led to revised terms; dealsheet lodged
- Reason for collapse: Missed flight to England, then Balogun declined to join
- Balogun on future: "Yes, potentially" to a Premier League switch
- Current form: Monaco top of Ligue 1, unbeaten after five matches
Deal details
Everton initially moved towards an agreement with Monaco for Balogun, valuing the striker at £40 million. Concerns during the medical forced fresh discussions between the clubs, leading to a revised package that included a reduced fee and appearance-related add-ons. For a period, the transfer looked salvageable before the move unravelled completely — first with a missed flight to England, then with Balogun deciding against joining David Moyes' side despite a dealsheet already being lodged.
The collapse came at the most delicate stage of the window. Everton had done the hard part by reaching an agreement and arranging medical checks, only for the deal to fall apart at the final hurdle. According to Talksport, Balogun has now addressed the failed switch, admitting that a return to England remains firmly on the table for the future. The 25-year-old joined Monaco in 2023 after coming through Arsenal's academy, although his senior Premier League experience remains limited.
What was said
"Yes, potentially. Football has many twists and turns as we've seen after the World Cup. I was close to a transfer, didn't materialise, but for sure it's definitely an option."
"It's been a good start to the season. We've started the last three seasons well so I think the focus is how you finish it. So we take it step-by-step."
Balogun's comments will keep the Premier League transfer conversation alive. Clubs hearing those remarks will take them as a clear signal that the striker remains open to England, even if Everton could not get the deal over the line. For recruitment departments, availability and willingness are separate issues — and Balogun has now clarified one of them.
His focus, for now, has returned to Monaco. The striker was left out of the club's Conference League squad during the fallout from the failed Everton transfer, underlining how close the move came to completion. He returned to action against Lens before the international break, a timely comeback after an uncertain end to the market.
Everton transfer setback remains significant
From Everton's perspective, the episode was damaging because it suggested the club had done the hard part, only for the move to collapse at the final hurdle. A striker profile of Balogun's age and pedigree rarely becomes straightforward once negotiations reach the medical stage, so losing momentum there felt especially costly.
Everton desperately needed attacking help, and missing out on a player of this profile leaves a sour taste. Balogun may still fancy the Premier League, but he clearly did not fancy Everton enough when the moment came. Fans will not enjoy hearing that, yet it is hard to avoid.
Why Everton's process must be questioned
The bigger frustration is what this says about perception. Everton remain a huge club with a loyal support base, but transfer sagas like this reinforce the idea that top players see the move as a risk rather than an opportunity. That should concern everyone behind the scenes at Goodison Park and the club's recruitment operation.
Folarin Balogun now has a stable platform at Monaco. The Ligue 1 side sit top of the table and unbeaten after five matches, giving the striker the kind of consistent environment he lacked during the uncertainty of deadline day. His return against Lens was timely, and his form will only increase the number of Premier League clubs paying attention.
If David Moyes and Everton's recruitment team believed Balogun could improve the side, then failing to complete the deal is another reminder that the club cannot keep operating on the margins and hoping complicated moves resolve themselves. The next question is whether Everton revisit it, or whether another Premier League club acts first. Given Balogun's comments, there will be no shortage of interest.
Talking points
- Everton reached the medical stage and lodged a dealsheet before the move collapsed — that points to a process lacking clarity at the most critical moment.
- Balogun's "definitely an option" comment is a clear invitation to Premier League clubs, and Everton may live to regret walking away.
- Monaco's strong start — top of Ligue 1 and unbeaten — gives Balogun leverage, but also makes him more expensive in future windows.
- Everton fans are tired of near-misses. Missing a striker of this profile when attacking help was needed is another embarrassment.
What happens next
Balogun's immediate focus is Monaco, where he returned against Lens before the international break. The 25-year-old was left out of Monaco's Conference League squad during the fallout from the collapsed Everton deal, a clear sign of how close he came to leaving. Everton must now decide whether to revisit the transfer in a future window or pursue alternative attacking targets. Any Premier League club monitoring Balogun will have noted his willingness to move to England, and the next window will reveal whether Everton or a rival acts first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Folarin Balogun still joining Everton?
No. The £40 million transfer collapsed on deadline day after a missed flight to England and Balogun deciding against joining David Moyes' side, despite a dealsheet being lodged.
Has Folarin Balogun said he wants a Premier League move?
Yes. Balogun said a Premier League move is "definitely an option", adding that "football has many twists and turns" and that he was "close to a transfer" that "didn't materialise".
Why did the Everton transfer for Balogun fall through?
Concerns during the medical forced revised terms with a reduced fee and appearance-related add-ons. The move then unravelled completely after a missed flight to England and Balogun's decision not to join Everton.
Related Articles
Filed under: Transfer News | LA Premier League Home
