Balogun: Premier League move 'definitely an option' after Everton collapse

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun says playing in England is 'definitely an option' after his £40 million move to Everton broke down on deadline day.

Monaco forward Folarin Balogun says he would still consider a transfer to the Premier League after a proposed £40 million switch to Everton collapsed at the end of the summer window. In his first public comments on the failed move, credited to Talksport, the 25-year-old made clear that a return to English football remains part of his thinking.

The deal had reached an advanced and delicate stage on deadline day, with Everton edging toward a full agreement with Monaco. Concerns identified during Balogun's medical then forced the two clubs into a fresh round of negotiations, stalling a transfer that had appeared close to completion.

Those talks produced a reworked package — a reduced fee plus add-ons tied to appearances — and for a stretch the deal still seemed salvageable. It then came apart in quick succession: Balogun missed a flight to England, and he subsequently decided against joining David Moyes' side even though a dealsheet had already been lodged.

Asked directly whether a Premier League move still appealed, Balogun said: "Yes, potentially. Football has many twists and turns as we've seen after the World Cup. I was close to a transfer, didn't materialise, but for sure it's definitely an option." The answer addresses his willingness, though not when or where any future transfer might actually happen — a distinction that matters to clubs weighing whether to bid.

Balogun came through Arsenal's academy before joining Monaco in 2023, and his senior experience in England's top flight remains limited. That sparse Premier League record sits alongside considerable potential, which is why his situation is expected to keep drawing attention from English clubs in future windows.

His immediate focus is back in France, where Monaco have opened the season strongly and where he has returned to the squad. "It's been a good start to the season," Balogun said. "We've started the last three seasons well so I think the focus is how you finish it. So we take it step-by-step."

Monaco lead Ligue 1 with an unbeaten record through five matches, giving Balogun a settled environment after a chaotic close to the summer market. He returned to action against Lens before the international break, a timely comeback after weeks of uncertainty over his club future.

That return carried extra significance because Balogun had been left out of Monaco's Conference League squad during the fallout from the failed Everton transfer. His exclusion from the European competition was a measure of how close the move had come to being finalized.

Whether Everton revive their pursuit or a different Premier League club acts first is the question hanging over the coming windows. For now, Balogun is playing for the leaders of France's top division, and his remarks suggest the Premier League conversation around him is set to continue.