Folarin Balogun gave his first detailed account of his collapsed move to Everton, speaking to reporters at U.S. men's national team camp in Fayetteville, Georgia, on Thursday. The transfer fell apart on deadline day after issues arose during his medical, which led to a renegotiation of terms, The Athletic had reported.
"My point of view was very clear," Balogun said. "I haven't said anything publicly, but I flew to Everton, obviously, with a set contract. And then by the time I left, the contract was changed. So, that was the situation, in short. The contract was changed, and then in the end, I didn't feel comfortable to sign."
Balogun returned to Monaco after the deal fell through. "From almost being on the biggest of stages to going back to Monaco, which is fairly quiet, just living there and the way the country is designed -- it's been different," he said. Since then he has lost his place in Monaco's starting lineup, which he attributed in part to injury and in part to other factors outside his control. He has played just 233 minutes of competitive football this season across one start and six substitute appearances, and has scored only one goal in the four months since his World Cup stardom.
Balogun was initially left out of Monaco's UEFA Conference League squad before being added recently as a replacement for the injured Ansu Fati.
Back with the USMNT
Balogun missed the USMNT's September-October training camp but returned this week for the first time since the summer, calling the experience a boost after what he described as a "long and interesting" few months. "The energy, the vibes in camp, was something I've definitely missed, being away," he said. "I'm just very grateful to be here after a long and interesting summer. And I just think coming back with the boys, and being a part of something, gives me a new sense of energy, a new sense of life."
He added that different camps provide different benefits. "For me, this camp is just a reminder that I'm part of an amazing team. We're brothers and we're fighting for something. So I'm very happy to be here."
Much of the week's external attention has centered on USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino's reported impending move to Manchester United, but Balogun said it hasn't changed his own approach. "My only focus is just to come into practice and prepare for the games," he said.
After the upcoming Concacaf Nations League games against Haiti, Balogun is set to return to Monaco for the rest of the calendar year. But he indicated his push to leave the club hasn't gone away. "I'm sure, in the upcoming transfer windows," he said Thursday, "I'll look to leave again."
