Teddy Sheringham backs Folarin Balogun’s decision to snub Everton move

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham believes Folarin Balogun was right to abandon his proposed £40 million move to Everton, warning that the striker would have faced a difficult challenge at the Premier League club.

Balogun’s deadline-day transfer from AS Monaco to Everton collapsed at the final stage after the United States international changed his mind and withdrew from negotiations.

The former Arsenal forward was reportedly unhappy with how Everton handled his medical and the subsequent discussions, leaving him uncomfortable with proceeding with the deal.

Although Everton have indicated they could revisit a potential sale in January, with Balogun also open to leaving Monaco, Sheringham doubts that a move to David Moyes’ side would have been the right decision for the striker.

Sheringham questions Everton move

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Sheringham suggested that Balogun would have faced considerable pressure to deliver at Everton, where the demands on a centre-forward can be particularly challenging.

“Balogun at Everton? It would’ve been tough for him, if you look at what’s expected as a centre forward at Everton,” he said.

The former England international pointed to the demands placed on Everton’s forwards, explaining that consistent goalscoring and relentless work rate are essential for strikers hoping to win over the club’s supporters.

“They’ve had forwards who have come to the fore now and again, like Beto and Barry,” Sheringham added.

The former Premier League striker believes Everton’s attacking setup can make life difficult for a centre-forward, particularly when the player must shoulder much of the responsibility alone.

“It’s a tough place to be a striker. You have to score goals and work your socks off, and then you can be a hero. That’s hard when you have to play up front on your own.”

Sheringham’s assessment suggests that Balogun could have struggled to thrive in an environment where strikers are expected to combine physical commitment with consistent goalscoring output.

£40m deal collapses on deadline day

Everton had been pursuing Balogun as a potential addition to their attacking options, with the proposed £40 million transfer representing a significant investment in the Monaco forward.

However, the deal fell apart after the American withdrew from the negotiations, reportedly unhappy with the way the Merseyside club conducted his medical and handled the subsequent transfer discussions.

Balogun, who previously came through Arsenal’s academy, has been looking to establish himself at the highest level after spells in English and French football.

His future at Monaco remains a subject of interest, with the possibility of a January departure still open if the right opportunity emerges.

Everton could yet return to the market for attacking reinforcements, but Sheringham’s comments underline the challenges that would have awaited Balogun had he completed the move.

January transfer decision looms

With the proposed summer transfer now off the table, Balogun must weigh his options ahead of the January window as he considers the next step in his career.

Everton’s willingness to entertain a future move could keep the club in the conversation, but Sheringham’s warning raises questions about whether the Premier League side would provide the right environment for the forward to fulfil his potential.