Pochettino Plans Support for Balogun Following Aborted Everton Move

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun remains with AS Monaco after walking away from a potential transfer to Everton on deadline day.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed during a Monday roundtable that he will contact striker Folarin Balogun in the coming days following the player's failed transfer to Everton. The 25-year-old Monaco forward walked away from the move last Tuesday on deadline day, despite terms reportedly being agreed upon by both clubs and the player.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro stated that Balogun reconsidered the long-term contract after Everton’s medical team raised questions regarding his health. Scuro noted that the player felt uncomfortable with how the medical assessment was handled at the end of the transfer window. While Balogun remains at Monaco, potential transfer destinations remain open in the Saudi Pro League until Oct. 12, the Portuguese League until Sept. 15, and both Brazil and Mexico until Sept. 11.

Pochettino also addressed the status of Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks. Although the coach has maintained contact with the dual national, Banks has not yet made a decision regarding his international future between the U.S. and Germany. Because Banks remains undecided, Pochettino confirmed the defender will not be considered for the upcoming USMNT camp. Banks previously ruled himself out of World Cup contention earlier this year after being called into a U.S. camp a year ago without appearing in a match.