Folarin Balogun reportedly pulled out of his proposed move to Everton on Tuesday after a late twist brought the transfer to an end.
The United States striker had travelled to Liverpool for a medical as Everton and AS Monaco worked to complete a deal before the transfer deadline.
The Athletic reported that Everton spotted an issue during the medical. The Premier League club then sought to renegotiate the transfer fee with Monaco.
Everton also requested more time to complete the deal. However, multiple reports said Balogun decided not to continue with the move.
The proposed transfer would have cost Everton between $53.2 million and $54 million. The deal also included around $5.8 million in potential add-ons, according to The Athletic.
Balogun will now remain at Monaco after the late collapse.
The 25-year-old has spent the past three seasons with the French club. He has scored 31 goals and provided nine assists in 91 appearances across all competitions, including 67 starts.
Balogun previously played in the Premier League with Arsenal during the 2021-22 season. He also spent time on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship and Reims in France before joining Monaco.
The striker has also played a key role for the United States.
Balogun scored twice in the Americans’ opening World Cup win over Paraguay. He then scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 before receiving a red card in the 64th minute.
His suspension later sparked controversy. FIFA lifted the one-match ban, allowing Balogun to feature against Belgium in the round of 16.
US President Donald Trump said he had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to appeal for Balogun. Infantino later denied that Trump had influenced the decision.
The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium and exited the tournament.
Balogun, who was born in New York to Nigerian parents, chose to represent the United States. He has scored 12 goals in 31 appearances for the USMNT since making his debut in 2023.
His future had attracted plenty of interest before the Everton talks. Reports during the off-season linked him with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
