A stunning U-turn on transfer deadline day left Everton without their long-awaited striker, and it is now the headline story in this week’s transfer roundup. Folarin Balogun‘s move to Everton collapsed hours after the American forward arrived at Finch Farm for his medical, sending shockwaves through the Premier League.
Why the Folarin Balogun Everton Move Fell Apart
Everton and Monaco had reportedly agreed a $54 million fee, but concerns raised during Balogun’s medical stalled the paperwork. The Premier League granted both clubs a short extension after the 2300 BST deadline to finish the deal, and Everton believed the issue had been resolved. Balogun ultimately walked away, unhappy with how the club handled the situation, according to ESPN sources. The USMNT striker returns to Monaco, leaving manager David Moyes short on attacking options after Everton had already sold forwards Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.
The saga highlights a wider theme in the Premier League this summer, since Balogun’s big-money exit from Arsenal last year had already made him one of the window’s most-watched names. Hosts Christian and Alexis broke down how clubs outside England’s top flight are trying to keep pace financially, even as deals like this one show the risk of chasing marquee names in the closing hours.
MLS’s Open Cup Return Sparks Bigger Questions
Talk then turned to Major League Soccer, where all 27 US-based clubs will return to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 2027 after a three-year absence. The hosts debated whether the move signals momentum toward promotion and relegation eventually reaching American soccer, a structural change many fans have pushed for, especially after years of criticism over the league’s limited participation in the historic tournament.
Finally, Christian and Alexis reacted to the UEFA Champions League draw, naming the matchups they are most eager to watch and offering early predictions for this season’s winner. With deadline day chaos still fresh, plenty of storylines look set to carry into the group stage kickoff.
