Folarin Balogun reveals why Everton transfer collapsed

Folarin Balogun has revealed that changes to the terms of his proposed contract with Everton were responsible for the collapse of his move from AS Monaco during the summer transfer window.

The United States international, who is of Nigerian descent, appeared close to completing a switch to the Premier League club after travelling to Liverpool to finalise the transfer.

However, negotiations broke down after the striker discovered that the agreement had been modified.

Balogun has now explained the circumstances behind his decision, insisting that he was uncomfortable with the revised terms and ultimately chose not to proceed with the move.

Speaking to BBC Sport while on international duty with the United States, the 25-year-old provided his account of what happened during the final stages of the negotiations.

“My position was very clear. I didn’t say anything publicly, but I went to Everton with, in principle, a contract already in place. However, by the time I left, that contract had been modified.

In short, that was the situation: the contract had changed, and ultimately, I didn’t feel comfortable signing it.

His comments offer further insight into the failed negotiations, which attracted considerable attention among Everton supporters when the proposed transfer fell through.

Everton had been looking to strengthen their attacking options and viewed the Monaco forward as a potential addition to their squad.

However, the disagreement over the contractual terms meant the English club missed out on the opportunity to secure his services.

Contract changes behind Everton transfer collapse

Balogun’s explanation suggests that the disagreement centred on the conditions of the contract rather than his willingness to consider a move to England.

The striker had travelled to Liverpool with an agreement understood to be in place in principle.

However, the situation changed before he could complete the transfer, leaving him unwilling to accept the revised proposal.

Although Balogun had not previously spoken publicly about the failed negotiations, his latest comments have clarified why the move did not happen.

The proposed switch had generated interest because of the possibility of the American forward returning to English football.

Instead, he remained at Monaco, where he continues to be under contract.

Balogun remains under contract at AS Monaco

Following the collapse of the Everton move, Balogun has continued his career with AS Monaco, where he is contracted until 30 June 2028.

The French club therefore retain the services of the forward, whose market value is estimated at €50m.

Balogun is also reported to earn an annual salary of €3.22m, equivalent to approximately 2.093bn CFA francs.

His situation at Monaco remains unchanged following the failed negotiations, with the striker continuing to represent the Ligue 1 side.

The transfer episode nevertheless provides an insight into how close he came to joining Everton before the contractual disagreement brought discussions to an end.

For Everton, the unsuccessful negotiations meant losing the opportunity to bring in a forward they had identified as a potential addition to their attacking options.

Balogun’s explanation has now made clear why he decided against completing the switch, with the revised contract ultimately failing to meet his expectations.

Monaco prepare for Auxerre encounter

Meanwhile, Monaco are preparing for their 11th Ligue 1 fixture of the season against AJ Auxerre.

Balogun remains part of the Monaco squad as the club prepares for the league encounter, following the unsuccessful attempt by Everton to secure his signature during the previous transfer window.