​How USMNT star Folarin Balogun’s Everton transfer sensationally collapsed after medical tests originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Everything seemed all set for USMNT star Folarin Balogun to embark on a triumphant return to the Premier League.On the heels of a controversial but bright 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 25-year-old has been a wanted man this summer, linked with Barcelona and Aston Villa before a move to Everton began to materialise. As the deal advanced and Deadline Day progressed, the two clubs reportedly agreed to a deal, leaving Balogun to undergo a medical with the Merseyside club.However, the deal for the former Arsenal striker seemed to nearly fall through at the last moment, causing complications for both clubs and sparking a wide-ranging ripple effect.The Sporting News brings you all we know about the collapsed Balogun deal and what comes next for the U.S. international.MORE:Premier League winners and losers in the 2026 summer transfer windowWhy did Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton collapse?According to multiple reports, including by Fabrice Hawkins, Fabrizio Romano, and Ben Jacobs, Everton’s Deadline Day deal for Folarin Balogun very nearly fell apart thanks to a failed medical.Once all parties agree to a deal, every transfer involves a physical examination of the player so the purchasing club can ensure there are no surprises when it comes to the individual they are signing. In this instance, Everton seem to have flagged something in the exam that gave them pause about completing the deal.While technically there’s no such thing as a “pass” or “fail” during a medical examination, something clearly arose that spooked Everton enough that they backed out of the transfer at the last moment.However, the two clubs reworked the deal and renegotiated a more favorable fee. Everton submitted a deal sheet to the Premier League for a one-hour deadline extension, and it appeared that the transfer would go through, with Balogun at the Everton training ground set to sign his new contract.Yet in one final twist, Balogun himself walked away from the deal and refused to sign, leaving the Everton training ground without completing the final hurdle, according to David Ornstein.What triggered the red flag in Folarin Balogun’s medical tests?It’s not clear at this moment what arose in the medical examination that caused Everton to initially pull out of the Folarin Balogun deal at the final stage. That is unlikely to be made public unless one party wishes to disclose the issue.However, we do know that both Monaco and Balogun’s camp reportedly insist he is medically fit to play and disagree with Everton’s assessment. According to Fabrizio Romano’s report, “Monaco and player’s camp insist Folarin is ready to play and there are no issues.”Where will Folarin Balogun play in 2026?With no deal completed and no time left in the transfer window for Balogun to find a different home,