A report from L’Equipe in France says that Folarin Balogun’s potential deadline day move to Everton could be off.
And another report from RMC Sport in France says that it is due to Balogun failing a medical at Everton.
As of right now, Balogun’s deal potentially collapsing means that Monaco won’t be able to sign Mexican international Erik Lira from Cruz Azul as they won’t have enough non-EU roster spots available. A report in Mexico from TNT Sports also states that with Balogun’s departure from Monaco now looking unlikely, Lira can’t arrive at the Ligue 1 club.
It was expected that Balogun’s departure would allow Lira to arrive, but something has obviously hit a snag with Everton’s potential move for Balogun.
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Everton have already sold striker Beto to Fiorentina on deadline day to make way for Balogun’s arrival, so it could be quite a disappointment on deadline day for David Moyes’ side.
Especially if star playmaker Iliman Ndiaye moves on to Manchester City too and their attack is further depleted. Even with Jack Grealish reportedly arriving on loan, Everton’s attack would still be lighter than at the start of the summer.
Is this a good move for Balogun?
Yes, this is a very good fit for him and if he’s going to head back to the Premier League he has to be playing regularly.
Balogun scored 18 goals with four assists for Monaco between Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, last season and he scored thrice for the USMNT at the World Cup, adding an assist against Australia.
He would automatically become Everton’s top striker, playing in front of Thierno Barry.
Barry is a fine striker and gets into some great positions, but he is still young and raw and his finishing isn’t of the same standard as the USMNT star.
For many years now Everton have been creating lots of chances but haven’t been able to put them away. Balogun’s clinical and calm finishing would be perfect for them.
After coming through the ranks at Arsenal but never quite being able to break into the first team, Balogun’s move to French football has worked out really well after prolific spells at Reims and AS Monaco.
Now seems like the perfect time for him to move back to England’s top-flight and take the next step in his career after his superb World Cup for the USA this summer.
