Balogun says changed Everton contract led him to reject move

The Monaco forward had been close to completing a reported £40 million transfer to Goodison Park on deadline day in September, but the deal collapsed after concerns emerged during his medical.

Everton and Monaco subsequently renegotiated the transfer agreement, with both clubs and the player signing a deal sheet shortly before the 11pm deadline. Balogun ultimately decided against completing the move.

He has now offered his account of the breakdown, making clear that the terms presented to him had changed during the process.

“My point of view was very clear. I haven’t said anything publicly, but I flew to Everton, obviously, with a set contract,” the United States international said.

“And then by the time I left, the contract was changed. So, that was the situation, in short. The contract was changed, and then in the end, I didn’t feel comfortable to sign.”

His explanation adds another perspective to an increasingly complicated deadline-day episode involving Everton, Monaco and Chelsea.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro had previously said the initial agreement was disrupted after Everton raised concerns about Balogun’s medical. The French club maintained that its own medical staff and the player’s personal medical team did not share those concerns.

Scuro said Everton contacted Monaco at around 7pm to raise questions about the examination. The clubs later found a way forward, but the late timing left little room to complete the paperwork.

“Around 10pm, Everton realised that ‘OK, there is no problem. We are ready to do it. Let’s sign the contract’,” Scuro explained.

“Five minutes to close the transfer window there, for us to finish all the paperwork between Monaco and Everton and Balo. I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player’s decided not to sign.”

Scuro also described Balogun’s concerns about the way Everton had handled the medical process, saying the striker was uncomfortable with the doubts raised about his health and future.

The proposed move had been part of a busy final day for Everton. The club had agreed a substantial deal with Monaco and allowed Beto to join Fiorentina, leaving the prospect of Balogun arriving as a replacement.

Instead, the 25-year-old returned to Monaco, where he has continued his career after the failed transfer.

Balogun’s comments make clear that the revised terms were central to his decision, while Monaco’s account placed greater emphasis on the handling of his medical. The two explanations underline why the deal, despite reaching the paperwork stage, ultimately fell apart.