Folarin Balogun Omitted from Monaco Squad After £40 Million Everton Deal Fails

Monaco has excluded Folarin Balogun from their Conference League roster following the collapse of a reported $54 million transfer to Everton.

Folarin Balogun has been excluded from Monaco’s squad for the upcoming Conference League campaign and will miss the club's French league fixture at Paris Saint-Germain this Friday. The New York-born striker was omitted from the traveling group to the capital despite returning to group training recently. Balogun has not featured in any of Monaco's four matches played during the current season, as uncertainty persists regarding his professional future following the breakdown of a high-profile move to the Premier League.

UEFA published Monaco's official squad list late Thursday, confirming Balogun’s absence for the league phase beginning October 15. The omission follows a week where a proposed £40 million ($54 million) transfer to Everton collapsed on Tuesday, the final day of the summer transfer window for the majority of European leagues. Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro revealed the United States international opted to withdraw from the agreement after the English side raised medical concerns during his physical examination.

Details of the Collapsed Everton Transfer

The failed deal with Everton was valued at approximately £40 million, a figure that would have helped Monaco address financial pressures. According to Thiago Scuro, Balogun felt uncomfortable when Everton officials expressed doubts regarding his health during the medical assessment process. While the Premier League window is closed, Scuro noted that the club is still exploring options to sell the striker’s contract to regions where registration remains open. The Saudi Pro League is a primary alternative, as their transfer window does not conclude until October 12.

Monaco is currently under significant pressure to offload high-value assets to comply with the French league's financial regulations. The sale of Balogun or another top-tier player is deemed necessary to generate required revenue. The striker’s situation serves as a focal point in what has been described as an underwhelming summer window for U.S. Men's National Team players, particularly as other major moves, such as Iliman Ndiaye’s £65 million transfer from Everton to Manchester City, have already been finalized.

Roster Changes and Minamino’s Return

While Balogun remains sidelined, Monaco has welcomed back Takumi Minamino to the active roster. The Japanese attacking midfielder is included in both the Conference League squad and the group traveling to face PSG. Minamino returns to competitive action after an eight-month layoff caused by a torn ACL in his left knee. This injury previously forced him to miss the World Cup, but he is now reintegrated into the first-team setup.

Monaco’s sporting department continues to monitor the market for Balogun, who remains a valuable asset despite his lack of playing time this term. The striker’s status for domestic matches beyond the PSG clash remains unclear as the club balances financial compliance with on-field selection. With the October 15 European start date approaching, the current squad list reflects a team moving forward without the American forward, pending a potential move to a league with an extended transfer deadline.