Folarin Balogun’s proposed transfer from Monaco to Everton is in serious doubt after the striker reportedly failed his medical with the Premier League club.
Everton have been widely reported to have agreed a deal worth €45m, with a further €5m available in add-ons, to sign the 25-year-old from Monaco. However, the move is now uncertain following developments during the medical process.
French journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported that Balogun had not passed Everton’s medical, leaving the proposed transfer in the balance. The report places the agreement at risk despite the two clubs reportedly reaching financial terms for the striker’s move.
Monaco and Balogun’s representatives maintain that the player is completely fit and ready to play. Their position means the transfer has not necessarily been ruled out, although it remains unclear whether Everton will proceed with the deal or whether further discussions will be required before a final decision is made.
The disagreement over Balogun’s fitness has created uncertainty around a move that had appeared to be progressing towards completion. Everton are understood to have identified the Monaco forward as a solution to their need for another striker, but his reported medical issue has complicated the proposed transfer.
Everton currently have only one natural number nine in their squad in Thierno Barry. Their need for greater depth in that position has increased following Beto’s departure for Fiorentina in a deal reported to be worth £16m.
Balogun’s proposed arrival would therefore have addressed an immediate need for Everton, but the club must now determine whether the striker’s medical results allow the transfer to go ahead. Monaco and the player’s camp’s insistence that he is fit could leave room for the deal to be revisited, even though it is presently in doubt.
For now, the transfer remains unresolved. Everton and Monaco have reportedly agreed the headline financial terms, but Balogun’s medical has become the key issue standing between the 25-year-old and a move to the Premier League club.