Published Oct 6, 2026, 5:45 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

The Toffees appeared to be closing in on the Monaco striker during the frantic final hours of the summer window.

A deal worth around £40 million had been lined up and Balogun looked set to become David Moyes’ new attacking option.

However, concerns raised during the medical led Everton back to the negotiating table.

The two clubs reworked the proposed deal, reducing the guaranteed payment and placing more of the fee behind appearance-related conditions.

A deal sheet was submitted before the deadline and there was still confidence that the move could be completed.

Balogun, though, ultimately decided not to go through with the transfer after becoming unhappy with how the process had unfolded.

That late collapse proved particularly painful for Everton. Beto had already been allowed to join Fiorentina, while attempts to land Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham did not produce an alternative.

It left Thierno Barry carrying much of the responsibility through the middle, with Everton ultimately deciding against signing free agents like Mauro Icardi at the time despite links.

The episode looked capable of ending Everton’s interest for good, but a fresh claim suggests the door has not been firmly closed.

Everton handed fresh Folarin Balogun hope after £40m deadline day collapse

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown believes contact has continued behind the scenes and says a January revival should not be discounted.

“I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility that Everton could return for Balogun,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Since that move broke down, they have been keeping an eye on how things have gone, and I expect they have been in contact with his representatives as well.

“I don't think it was handled particularly well on either side, Everton tried to re-negotiate late on and ultimately that caused issues that meant Balogun was unsure of the move.

“But they've been updated on his situation since then, keeping tabs on that injury they were worried about, and seeing how he has responded to that.

“By all accounts, they thought he would be a great addition to their team and he wanted to make the move as well because he wants to play in the Premier League.

“I don't think anything has changed in that respect, so if they're willing to sit down, iron things out and come to a conclusion, then that deal could definitely still be on.”

Everton would still have plenty to resolve before a second attempt became serious.

The medical issue which complicated the summer talks would need to be reassessed, while trust may have to be rebuilt after a deal that left neither side satisfied.

Yet there are clear reasons for the club to revisit it.

Everton should seriously consider fresh Folarin Balogun move

Everton have already completed much of the scouting work, spoken to Balogun’s camp and reached an agreement with Monaco once before.

That could make talks easier to restart than a move for a completely new target.

Balogun would also bring different qualities to Moyes’ attack. His pace and movement could stretch defences, and most importantly, another centre-forward would reduce the huge pressure on Barry.

Relying on one recognised striker across a demanding season was always a gamble, even before injuries, suspensions and dips in form were considered.

The report adds that Monaco could remain prepared to sell in January, although Balogun’s response will be just as important as the clubs’ positions.

Everton cannot assume the player will simply pick up where negotiations stopped, but if they do return, the approach must be cleaner and far earlier.

Deadline day produced confusion and disappointment.