The collapse of the deal leaves Everton with only one recognised striker, Thierno Barry, and raises questions about the club's transfer strategy. The Guardian Football reports that Everton had agreed a £40m deal for Balogun, but issues with the striker's medical placed the transfer in doubt. The club had sold Beto to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City to raise funds for the transfer.
The structure of the deal was renegotiated late on, with Monaco agreeing to accept a lower payment up front and more in add-ons. However, the 25-year-old Balogun is said to have changed his mind over the move and walked away at the final moment. This leaves Everton with a significant gap in their attacking lineup, and manager David Moyes will have to rely on Thierno Barry for the first half of the season.