Pochettino to Support Balogun After Everton Move Collapses

Mauricio Pochettino plans to contact Folarin Balogun after the United States forward’s proposed move from Monaco to Everton broke down on transfer deadline day, leaving the 25-year-old in Ligue 1.

Key takeaways

• Balogun withdrew from an Everton transfer after concerns were raised during the medical process.
• Pochettino has not yet spoken to the Monaco striker but intends to offer support in the coming days.
• Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro said Balogun felt uneasy about signing a lengthy Everton contract after the club’s medical assessments.
• The main European transfer windows have closed, although Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Brazil and Mexico still provide possible late routes out of Monaco.

Pochettino ready to support US forward

An agreement had reportedly been reached for Balogun to return to the Premier League, but Everton’s questions over his medical led the player to reassess the proposed deal. He ultimately chose not to complete the switch and remains under contract at Monaco.

Speaking from London by video conference on Monday, Pochettino said he would give Balogun time to process the events of the window before making contact. The USMNT head coach acknowledged that international managers cannot control club decisions, but said their role is to stand behind players as they navigate them.

Pochettino said Balogun was a significant player for the United States, including at the World Cup, and stressed his hope that the forward can find the right setting to perform at his highest level, whether that remains in Monaco or elsewhere.

“In Flo’s case, I will call over the next few days,” Pochettino said. “I want to allow a little space after what happened with Everton, then understand his side of it while making clear that we are behind him.”

Medical concerns end Everton move

Scuro said Balogun’s objection centred on the way the final stages of Everton’s process had been handled. In the Monaco director’s account, the striker believed the medical team had created doubts over his future fitness and health, making him uncomfortable about committing to a long-term agreement.

Balogun’s options are now restricted by the closure of the leading European markets. The Saudi Pro League remains open until October 12, while teams in Portugal, Brazil and Mexico have windows running into mid-September.

Should no late transfer be completed, Balogun will need to compete for his place at Monaco and recover his best form. That would be important for both his club prospects and his standing in Pochettino’s United States squad plans.