Folarin Balogun’s immediate future remains uncertain, but the USMNT striker appears increasingly likely to stay at AS Monaco until at least January following the drama of his Everton move that collapsed at the last mnute.
Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro revealed shortly after the transfer deadline that Balogun had been close to joining the Premier League club in a deal reportedly worth around £40 million ($54 million). However, after Everton raised concerns during his medical, Balogun ultimately decided against completing the transfer.
Monaco initially continued exploring options for the 25-year-old striker, with Scuro acknowledging that markets including Saudi Arabia and Turkey remained open. However, with those opportunities failing to materialize, L’Équipe reported on September 8 that Balogun would remain in Monaco at least until January.
The striker’s situation has also been complicated by his fitness. Balogun had been recovering from a knee problem and spent much of the summer working on an individual program. He returned to training with the team in early September but was not included in Monaco’s squad for the September 4 meeting with PSG or the subsequent match against Strasbourg.
Monaco also left Balogun out of its UEFA Conference League squad, suggesting the club had continued to consider a possible transfer even after the Everton deal collapsed.
His return to full training, however, offers a potential turning point. Balogun could be available for selection when Monaco hosts Lens on September 18, although his inclusion in the matchday squad has not been confirmed. After his extended period on the sidelines, Monaco may also choose to ease him back into competitive action.
For now, Balogun’s future appears to be Monaco, at least temporarily. January could bring another opportunity for a transfer, but the next few weeks will be important. If the American can regain his fitness and earn a place in Filipe Luís’ squad, he will have a chance to revive his role at the club rather than simply wait for another move.