Everton’s proposed deal for Monaco and United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun is in danger of collapsing, according to reports in France.
The Premier League club were understood to have reached an agreement worth €45m (£39m), with a further €5m (£4m) available in add-ons, to sign the 25-year-old forward from Monaco. However, L’Equipe reports that the transfer is now close to falling through, leaving Balogun’s future at the Principality club unresolved.
Everton’s move depends on the completion of Iliman Ndiaye’s £65m transfer away from the club. The sale has taken considerably longer than expected, and Everton need to finalise that deal before they can proceed with their attempt to bring Balogun to Goodison Park.
The delay has created a wider chain of uncertainty in the transfer market. Monaco are relying on the money from Balogun’s departure to complete their own move for Erik Lira. If Everton are unable to finish the Ndiaye sale and consequently do not complete the acquisition of Balogun, Monaco could also be prevented from securing Lira.
The developing situation has left Everton’s pursuit of Balogun under significant pressure, despite the reported agreement between the clubs. The striker could now remain with Monaco if the relevant transfers cannot be concluded in time.
Balogun’s possible move to Everton has also attracted interest from elsewhere. Aston Villa and Barcelona are both reported to be monitoring the striker, giving Monaco alternative potential destinations should Everton’s negotiations fail.
For Everton, losing out on Balogun would represent a major setback. The club have recently allowed Beto to leave for Fiorentina in Serie A, meaning a deal for Balogun had been expected to strengthen their attacking options after the Portuguese forward’s departure.
Balogun’s position at Monaco is therefore linked not only to Everton’s negotiations but also to the outcome of Ndiaye’s sale. Until that transfer is completed, Everton cannot complete their proposed move for the United States international, while Monaco remain unable to rely on the funds they need for their own business.
What had appeared to be a €45m agreement, potentially rising to €50m through add-ons, is now at risk of unravelling. If the impasse continues, Balogun may stay with Monaco, while Everton will have to consider other options following Beto’s move to Fiorentina.