Everton’s move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has fallen through following a change of heart from the player after the deal scuppered Chelsea’s chances of signing Lamine Camara.
Balogun arrived in Merseyside at lunchtime to complete the £40m Deadline Day transfer, but doubts began to emerge that the deal would be completed after an issue came up in the medical.
As a result, Monaco moved to sell midfielder Camara instead, but in another twist, Everton renegotiated Balogun’s deal to force the move through...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol explains why Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to rivals Manchester City despite the last-minute collapse of their deal to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco.
However, just after midnight on Wednesday, it was revealed that Balogun had a change of heart about moving to Everton and walked away from the deal, which only infuriated Monaco and Chelsea even more.
It also means Balogun’s dramatic 2026 continues – after the American international was at the centre of the World Cup red card storm involving Donald Trump.
It leaves Everton with just one recognised senior striker until January in Thierno Barry, after Beto left for Fiorentina and Manchester United rejected a loan offer for Joshua Zirkzee.
Everton’s attacking options were further diminished by the departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City, but they did sign Jack Grealish on another loan deal.
The Balogun drama in chronological order
Everton agree fee with Monaco for Folarin Balogun.
Balogun arrives in Merseyside for a medical and to complete the move’s formalities.
Chelsea have multiple bids rejected by Monaco for Lamine Camara. They consider other targets.
Chelsea agree deal to sell Enzo Fernandez to Man City for £125m. Comfortable with the options in their squad if no one comes in.
Doubts emerge around Everton’s deal for Balogun.
Everton make an offer to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United on loan with an option to buy.
Chelsea agree a deal with Monaco for Lamine Camara, amid doubts about the Balogun deal.
Manchester United reject Everton’s loan offer for Zirkzee.
Everton grow more confident they can get Balogun over the line after renegotiating with Monaco.
Chelsea’s deal to sign Camara collapses after Monaco withdraw from the deal. The Balogun deal being back on satisfied their need for a sale.
Balogun had a change of heart and walked away from the deal after a deal sheet was submitted.
