Add The New York Post on Google Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro is sharing his side of Folarin Balogun’s failed move to Everton.
The USMNT star backed out of a roughly $54 million deal at the final hour Tuesday, apparently put off by Everton’s handling of his medical examination.
During a press conference Wednesday, Scuro said the clubs had reached an agreement and Balogun traveled to Liverpool for a medical but Everton later raised concerns that prompted further review.
The club eventually cleared him and sought extra time to finish the paperwork before the deadline.
But something didn’t sit right with Balogun, per Scuro.
“I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player decided not to sign,” he continued, via BBC Sport. “Basically, Balogun’s position was: ‘I’m not feeling comfortable with the way the club treated me. I’m not comfortable with the doubts raised about my future or my health. I have no issue, so I’m not comfortable signing a contract here.’”
The transfer snafu comes after Balogun rose to fame stateside after starring in the World Cup for the Americans, scoring three goals during the tournament.
Balogun found himself in the middle of controversy during the World Cup when he was given a questionable red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina that was later rescinded after President Donald Trump spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Despite Balogun eventually taking the field, the Americans fell to Belgium in the Round of 16.
Balogun has spent the past three seasons with Monaco after joining the Ligue 1 club from Arsenal in August 2023.
The 25-year-old has scored 31 goals in 91 appearances for the club.
