Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro confirms plan to sell Folarin Balogun in January

AS Monaco are planning to sell Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window after the striker’s proposed £40 million move to Everton collapsed on deadline day.

Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has confirmed that the Ligue 1 club are preparing for a fresh solution for the United States international, just 16 days after his move to Everton fell through.

Balogun unhappy with Everton process

Balogun was on the verge of joining Everton on deadline day, with the Merseyside club agreeing a deal worth around £40 million with Monaco for the former Arsenal striker.

However, the transfer collapsed late in the window after Balogun reconsidered the move and withdrew from the proposed switch.

Scuro subsequently explained that Balogun was unhappy with how Everton handled his medical and the negotiations that followed. The striker reportedly did not feel comfortable completing the transfer, forcing Monaco to retain him beyond the deadline.

With the summer window now closed, Monaco have already begun looking towards January, when they could once again attempt to find a buyer for the 25-year-old.

“We had an agreement with Balogun,” Scuro told RMC Sport.

“What happened with him changes our plans for this winter a little. But that was the original plan: that we find a solution for Balogun. After that, we have no control over all the (upcoming) decisions for this winter.”

Monaco admit squad imbalance

Scuro also suggested that Monaco could make further changes to their squad in January as they seek to address what he considers an imbalance in their recruitment.

The club have several attacking options but, according to their CEO, need greater depth in other areas of the team.

“If we have the opportunity to give a better balance to the team, we will do it,” Scuro added.

“We have a lot of players at the offensive level, but I think we lack options in other positions. I’m not very happy with what we did this summer. And now, we need corrective solutions.”

Balogun’s situation is therefore expected to form part of Monaco’s January plans, with the club prepared to consider offers for a player who was previously viewed as an important part of their attack.

Balogun out of Conference League squad

The striker’s immediate prospects at Monaco have also been complicated by his exclusion from the club’s squad for the league phase of the Conference League.

Balogun has not featured for Monaco since last season, further raising questions over his role at the club following the failed Everton transfer.

His most recent competitive appearance came for the United States against Belgium, when the USMNT suffered a 4-1 defeat and were eliminated from the competition.

Balogun now faces an uncertain period at Monaco before the January window opens, with the club’s hierarchy already signalling that his departure remains part of their plans.

After the breakdown of his Everton transfer, the striker could have another opportunity to leave Monaco when the winter market opens, provided a suitable offer arrives and the player agrees to the move.