USMNT Forward Folarin Balogun Breaks Silence on Failed Everton Transfer and Reduced Monaco Role

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — United States men's national team forward Folarin Balogun revealed Thursday that altered contract terms led to the collapse of his deadline-day transfer to Premier League side Everton, sending him back to Monaco where he has logged just 233 competitive minutes over the past four months.

Speaking at USMNT training camp in Georgia ahead of Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti, Balogun explained that he traveled to England expecting to complete the move under pre-agreed terms. However, after issues surfaced during his medical evaluation, Everton altered the contract proposal, prompting the American striker to decline the deal. Since returning to France, Balogun has recorded one goal across seven appearances—one start and six substitute outings—and was initially omitted from Monaco's UEFA Conference League roster before being added as an injury replacement for Ansu Fati.

Rejoining national teammates such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie has provided Balogun with renewed energy, even as head coach Mauricio Pochettino faces ongoing media reports linking him to Manchester United. Balogun emphasized that his focus remains entirely on training and match preparation, while explicitly stating his intention to explore a departure from Monaco during future transfer windows.

What to watch next: Balogun will compete for playing time in the USMNT's upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Haiti before returning to Monaco for the remainder of the calendar year.