Everton reopen talks with Monaco for Folarin Balogun after medical concern

Everton remain hopeful of completing a deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, despite reports that the proposed transfer was at risk of collapse after the player failed a medical.

The Premier League club had recently agreed a package worth €45m, with a further €5m available in add-ons, to sign the 25-year-old United States international from Monaco.

However, the agreement came under serious threat when reports emerged that Balogun had not passed his medical examination. Balogun and Monaco both insisted that the striker was fine, but the development cast doubt over whether the transfer would be completed.

Everton have since renegotiated the proposed deal in an effort to keep the move alive. Under the revised terms, the fixed transfer fee would be lower, while the potential value of the bonuses would be increased.

According to David Ornstein, Everton are still optimistic that they can reach a final agreement and bring Balogun to the club.

The situation remains unresolved, but the latest discussions indicate that Everton have not abandoned their pursuit of the forward. Instead, they have adjusted the financial structure of the deal following the concerns surrounding the medical.

Balogun’s proposed move had appeared to be progressing after Everton agreed the initial €45m fee with Monaco. The additional €5m in add-ons would have taken the overall value of the transfer to €50m if the relevant conditions were met.

That agreement was subsequently placed in doubt after the medical report, creating uncertainty over whether Everton would be able to complete the signing. Although Balogun and Monaco maintained that there was no problem with the player’s condition, the report meant that the original terms could no longer be relied upon.

The revised arrangement gives the two clubs a possible route towards a compromise. Everton would pay less up front, while Monaco could receive more through performance-related bonuses if the relevant provisions were triggered.

David Moyes’ side had also considered Joshua Zirkzee as an alternative option while the uncertainty over Balogun’s transfer continued. Everton made a loan offer for the Manchester United forward, but that proposal was rejected because it arrived too late in the transfer window.

As a result, Balogun remains Everton’s main focus, with the club attempting to settle the outstanding issues and complete negotiations with Monaco. The striker’s reported failed medical has not ended the deal, but it has forced Everton to revisit the terms of the original agreement before the transfer can be finalised.