02/09/2026
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AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has revealed that Folarin Balogun opted against signing for Everton due to his treatment in Liverpool.
Balogun's proposed move to Everton collapsed at the 11th hour on deadline day, after the US international performed a U-turn on his decision to move to Merseyside.
Everton had a deal in place to sign the 25-year-old for a fee of around £38.5m, though the deal stalled amid concerns over the player's medical.
After news broke that Balogun had failed a medical, it was later confirmed the forward had decided against completing the transfer.
Monaco chief executive Scuro has now opened up on the failed move, and the French side's decision to pull the plug on Chelsea's move for midfielder Lamine Camara.
"During the day, we had a clear agreement for Balogun to go to Everton. Balogun flew yesterday morning to go for medicals and sign a contract. Our plan worked very well in this moment in terms of revenue generation, squad planning, player transfers," Scuro told a press conference, reported by Get Football News France.
"Thilo (Kehrer) going, as announced, opened the space in the salary that we needed with the DNCG (French football’s financial watchdog). Balogun, besides the salary, was also an important source of income for the club, which would help us also to balance the season."
Scuro continued that it was 'normal' for clubs to get a second opinion on concerning medicals, but said the reservations from Everton 'made no sense'.
"Balogun was in Liverpool undergoing his medical. Everything was going pretty well. Around 7 p., we were contacted by Everton, raising questions about Balogun’s medical, which, for our medical staff, as well as for the player’s personal medical staff, made no sense at all."
“Made no sense at all”: Scuro says Everton’s medical concerns led Balogun to say “I’m not comfortable signing a long contract”
He added that Balogun was behind the transfer's collapse, as the forward was 'not comfortable' signing a long contract amid his treatment by Everton.
"Five minutes to close the transfer window there, for us to finish all the paperwork between Monaco and Everton and ‘Balo’. I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract.
"At the last moment, the players decided not to sign. And basically, Balogun’s allegation is that I’m not feeling well because of the way the club treated me. I’m not feeling well because Everton’s medical department raised doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing (no health problem), so I’m not comfortable signing a long contract here. And that’s the way we finish our transfer window."
Reader Comments (139)
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Andrew Ellams
2 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:07:13
2 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:07:13
How so Mark? His job is to look after number 1 not bend over for Everton.
Michael Kenrick
3 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:07:40
3 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:07:40
All this over an ingrowing toenail?
Refreshing to at least hear someone try to explain from the inside all the shenanigans that go on.
I can't see Kinnear attempting to be so candid... although he might have to now this guy has shown him up.
Refreshing to at least hear someone try to explain from the inside all the shenanigans that go on.
I can't see Kinnear attempting to be so candid... although he might have to now this guy has shown him up.
Bob Kerr
4 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:08:44
4 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:08:44
Mandy Rice-Davies's most famous quote of "Well he would say that, wouldn't he?" comes to mind.
Scott Robinson
5 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:27:17
5 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:27:17
Sounds like the player was getting defensive over this health, blaming others when in fact he knew what was going on.
Mark Ryan
6 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:33:29
6 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:33:29
He's been playing with an injury since the world cup and flies across Europe to have a medical knowing he has an injury. Sits tight and says nowt until he is challenged. We then try to renegotiate around his appearances etc and he knows he's been rumbled and realising his injury is now revealed walks out the door claiming, "I feel upset by your treatment if me.”
He sounds like a prick Andrew and he can look after number one all he likes. We've dodged a bullet but I'll reiterate my point. We are amateur when it comes to transfers and this is why we end up with a begging bowl on deadline day. I mean Zirkzee, I ask you ? Really ? Perhaps Balogun feels he dodged a bullet by not signing…
He sounds like a prick Andrew and he can look after number one all he likes. We've dodged a bullet but I'll reiterate my point. We are amateur when it comes to transfers and this is why we end up with a begging bowl on deadline day. I mean Zirkzee, I ask you ? Really ? Perhaps Balogun feels he dodged a bullet by not signing…
Eric Myles
7 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:34:44
7 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:34:44
Is that all it was MK? An ingrowing toenail? Really?
Kunal Desai
8 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:35:28
8 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:35:28
Why were we looking to do this deal on deadline day? Get your man in signed and sealed and then let Beto go.
TFG et all can all do one. Never trusted this lot from the outset. No interest in this club other than pure profit, you can argue all you want.it's all about profit. Armstrong was clearly the case.
Never set foot in the ground. Horrible, horrible spinelsss cretins.
TFG et all can all do one. Never trusted this lot from the outset. No interest in this club other than pure profit, you can argue all you want.it's all about profit. Armstrong was clearly the case.
Never set foot in the ground. Horrible, horrible spinelsss cretins.
Christy Ring
9 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:38:23
9 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:38:23
I disagree, if he was injured, then you try and bring in Zirkzee/ Abraham, they say no, then you renegotiate the deal, and get a lesser fee, Balogun there listening to this, you couldn't blame him.
Dave Roberts
10 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:39:45
10 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:39:45
The fact is Everton did sign the paperwork after suitable adjustments were made as did Monaco and the player. So at that point the deal was up and running. If it's the case that what upset Balogun was learning that Everton had been trying other prospects while he was in the lounge ( presumably) is a definitely out of order. Imagine you're at a job interview, you complete it only to find you're offered the job only after the employer has fished around for somebody else and failed. Fucking disgraceful. If that really was an issue ( and we may never know the truth) it was a fucking disgrace and I don't blame him for walking out. There's still no sign of any kind of statement on Everton FC. Com. Unsurprisingly I might say.
Kevin Molloy
11 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:41:51
11 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:41:51
Kunal, they see themselves as ace negotiators, who have perfected the art of 'walking away' in order to secure the best possible deal. They've been patting themselves on the back all summer that they got little Middlesborough to only take £15m up front, and the rest in bits. These are the sort of cheapskate bellends we are dealing with. And their high risk strategy was bound to get called out at some stage, and now it has, to all of our detriment.
Steve Brown
12 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:50:37
12 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:50:37
We signed the injured Norgaard but had “concerns” about Balogun’s medical?
I smell a bullshit angle we tried to work to reduce the transfer fee - attempt to renegotiate the fee over a medical issue that proved to be nothing, approach other players as a tactic and then get Monaco to accept less.
It backfired on us when the player told us to do one.
I smell a bullshit angle we tried to work to reduce the transfer fee - attempt to renegotiate the fee over a medical issue that proved to be nothing, approach other players as a tactic and then get Monaco to accept less.
It backfired on us when the player told us to do one.
Steve Brown
13 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:55:27
13 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:55:27
Mark @ 6, your theory is not supported by the reporters.
All of the accounts from the Athletic, Liverpool Echo and other news outlets give a very similar account of the sequence of events. None of them - and I mean none - back up your claim that he was hiding an injury.
Monaco will have sent his medical records to Everton as part of the deal process.
All of the accounts from the Athletic, Liverpool Echo and other news outlets give a very similar account of the sequence of events. None of them - and I mean none - back up your claim that he was hiding an injury.
Monaco will have sent his medical records to Everton as part of the deal process.
Dave Whitwell
14 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:57:31
14 Posted 02/09/2026 at 15:57:31
All of this stuff about owners only wanting to make a profit diverts somewhat from the truth, the problem here is deeper than that it’s incompetence at a high level.
Of course they want to make a profit, they are in business of making profit, barring possibly Man City this is no different to any other clubs ownership, extremely few actually put their own money in, why would they, whether they are making profits now or latter or growing an asset to later sell for a profit the goal of all of them is the same.
Prior to the move to HD Everton’s turnover was 197m we don’t yet know what the impact of HD is as the accounts to 30 June 2026 are not yet released. We have been gradually reducing wage to turnover ratios in the aftermath of the Moshiri era and had until a few days ago largely invested in younger talent with potential to grow and future sell on value.
This is where the incompetence comes in and is inexcusable.
Whilst we don’t know the new turnover or costs for June 26 they do, and it would’ve influenced the kitty we had to spend, add to that they would’ve known early whether we needed to sell to re-invest, I.e N’Daiye and if that was the case they should’ve gone out to get best value, so many teams were in the market for wingers we could’ve got much more for N’Daiye and as a fan base I’m guessing, had we lost N’Daiye but had a clear set of ideas about how we were going to use that money, we could probably understand all the while being gutted we’d lost a player we all adored.
What has transpired is that not only have we sold our best player, nor indeed not reinvested any of the money in the squad, we also depleted an already thin squad even further (I mean the only way we can even have a training match now is if Baines, Moyes and Irvine join in!) and as if all of this is not enough the real tragedy here is the breakdown of trust and growth of toxicity between the board, management and fans. All of this is a cocktail of disaster and it needs someone at the club to take ownership and explain, at this point it cannot be healed without some admission from the club.
Of course they want to make a profit, they are in business of making profit, barring possibly Man City this is no different to any other clubs ownership, extremely few actually put their own money in, why would they, whether they are making profits now or latter or growing an asset to later sell for a profit the goal of all of them is the same.
Prior to the move to HD Everton’s turnover was 197m we don’t yet know what the impact of HD is as the accounts to 30 June 2026 are not yet released. We have been gradually reducing wage to turnover ratios in the aftermath of the Moshiri era and had until a few days ago largely invested in younger talent with potential to grow and future sell on value.
This is where the incompetence comes in and is inexcusable.
Whilst we don’t know the new turnover or costs for June 26 they do, and it would’ve influenced the kitty we had to spend, add to that they would’ve known early whether we needed to sell to re-invest, I.e N’Daiye and if that was the case they should’ve gone out to get best value, so many teams were in the market for wingers we could’ve got much more for N’Daiye and as a fan base I’m guessing, had we lost N’Daiye but had a clear set of ideas about how we were going to use that money, we could probably understand all the while being gutted we’d lost a player we all adored.
What has transpired is that not only have we sold our best player, nor indeed not reinvested any of the money in the squad, we also depleted an already thin squad even further (I mean the only way we can even have a training match now is if Baines, Moyes and Irvine join in!) and as if all of this is not enough the real tragedy here is the breakdown of trust and growth of toxicity between the board, management and fans. All of this is a cocktail of disaster and it needs someone at the club to take ownership and explain, at this point it cannot be healed without some admission from the club.
Duncan Lennard
15 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:02:49
15 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:02:49
Mark (6), that’s one reading of it. Another is that someone in our camp fabricated/exaggerated a medical issue to gain an edge in the negotiations… which apparently worked as the deal was restructured before both sides signed. Perhaps Balogun didn’t appreciate his health being used as a tactical pawn. Pure supposition of course, but it would explain a lot.
Mark Ryan
16 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:07:34
16 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:07:34
Steve @ 13 I didn't say he was hiding an injury
I said he knows there is a residual known injury but he says nothing. It's well reported that he has been playing through a niggling injury since the World Cup.
The medical let him down
I said he knows there is a residual known injury but he says nothing. It's well reported that he has been playing through a niggling injury since the World Cup.
The medical let him down
Raymond Fox
17 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:09:22
17 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:09:22
If they were unsure about signing Balogun why shouldn't they sound out other players, they are then under time pressure aren't they. It all comes down to what the so called injury was and who you believe.
Stu Gre
18 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:24:53
18 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:24:53
Isn't this the Friedkin way? We want to buy Everton, oh no it's got some problems we'll back out.
777 want to buy Everton, ah we'll step in at the last minute and get a better deal.
We want to buy Balogun, oh no we've identified a problem so we'll pretend to back out, put some cheeky bids in elsewhere because we "genuinely" think those teams will budge at such a late stage. HA FOOLED YOU, we wanted you afterall but only at a better deal for us.
Mike G always says Friedkin is a an excellent businessman, but the problem is footballers aren't businesses. They aren't photocopiers, stationary or video conferencing software.
They are people, all different, and whether you like it or not they deserve to be treated respectfully. I think Balogun showed some grit, fair dues.
777 want to buy Everton, ah we'll step in at the last minute and get a better deal.
We want to buy Balogun, oh no we've identified a problem so we'll pretend to back out, put some cheeky bids in elsewhere because we "genuinely" think those teams will budge at such a late stage. HA FOOLED YOU, we wanted you afterall but only at a better deal for us.
Mike G always says Friedkin is a an excellent businessman, but the problem is footballers aren't businesses. They aren't photocopiers, stationary or video conferencing software.
They are people, all different, and whether you like it or not they deserve to be treated respectfully. I think Balogun showed some grit, fair dues.
Nick Page
19 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:34:47
19 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:34:47
You can't even make up how bad this is. 30 years and counting, the most incompetent football club on Earth.
We're also the luckiest considering -- amazingly -- we haven't been relegated in all that time. The fans deserve so much more.
We're also the luckiest considering -- amazingly -- we haven't been relegated in all that time. The fans deserve so much more.
Kunal Desai
20 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:37:54
20 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:37:54
Kevin. Agree. Fallen at the wrong hands of owners yet again. My feeling is that this lot will tske every penny out of the club where possible going forward to recoup those debts they paid off. MInimal investment and no interest in ambition so long as the club stays in the PL.
Mihir Ambardekar
21 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:38:10
21 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:38:10
Balogun is equally at fault. Attitude issue!
Everton wanted the deal but not get mugged off.
Everton wanted the deal but not get mugged off.
Mike Morgan
22 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:43:57
22 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:43:57
I agree with Steve Brown, it sounds like typical "art of the deal" tactics to get a reduced price on a nearly done deal. In my view not an ethical way to negotiate but especially when you have all your eggs in one basket. Despite the sadness of losing Ndiaye, if we had secured Balogun it would have been an acceptable window ( with the risk of Braithwaite and O'brien being full back cover). But if Barry gets injured we are in a real mess ( and if he stays fit I don't think he's premiership standard) Should have still bought Richy ahead of Grealish on the basis he could cover both CF and LW.
If the Amercans are such great negotiators they should under stand risk management as well as making a quick profit !!!!
If the Amercans are such great negotiators they should under stand risk management as well as making a quick profit !!!!
Nigel Scowen
23 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:47:32
23 Posted 02/09/2026 at 16:47:32
Stu@18
I tend to agree Stu, this sounds like a classic TFG playbook move to try and get a better deal. Played the Poker face once too often and suffered the consequences.
I tend to agree Stu, this sounds like a classic TFG playbook move to try and get a better deal. Played the Poker face once too often and suffered the consequences.
Tommy Carter
24 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:03:55
24 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:03:55
I don't think the player or the club are necessarily in the wrong in terms of conduct; we are obviously trying something on to bring down finances, either on the package or within his deal.
That's not a problem as it's business and it's football. Just don't do it on transfer deadline day. Why could this not have been done last month... or even last week?
That's not a problem as it's business and it's football. Just don't do it on transfer deadline day. Why could this not have been done last month... or even last week?
Jim Bennings
25 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:04:54
25 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:04:54
Couldn't we have not just sold Ndiaye earlier like we all knew he was going as much as we know Jack was heading back to us, then just pursued the number one target which was obviously Liam Delap?
It just seems so damn crooked the way we do deals, regardless of Balogun, who in my opinion probably wasn't worth the hype anyway.
It just boils my piss how we know there is a big wide world out there yet we never seem to scout any players that are good but unknown on these shores.
It just seems so damn crooked the way we do deals, regardless of Balogun, who in my opinion probably wasn't worth the hype anyway.
It just boils my piss how we know there is a big wide world out there yet we never seem to scout any players that are good but unknown on these shores.
Andy Walker
26 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:06:13
26 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:06:13
Balogun sounds like a dick. We obviously found something in the medical and he got defensive by the sounds of it. Monaco will be pissed off as they'll now probably struggle to offload him for the price they want.
We've been very unlucky but there are still strikers out of contract we can look to get as a stop gap, maybe on a pay as you play deal. Richarlison is out of contract by the next window I think too, so he may come in the next window.
In the meantime, we have to get on with it.
We've been very unlucky but there are still strikers out of contract we can look to get as a stop gap, maybe on a pay as you play deal. Richarlison is out of contract by the next window I think too, so he may come in the next window.
In the meantime, we have to get on with it.
Andy Morris
27 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:09:42
27 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:09:42
Monaco themselves have stated that he played through the World Cup with an injury and since returning have been easing him back into training…
The telling thing is he hasn't played in any pre-season or any regular season games for Monaco prior to the Everton transfer mess.
He definitely has an issue, enough to derail a transfer and have both medical teams arguing over it. Remove the last-minute panic and stress out of the situation by doing all this a month, a week or even a day earlier and it all gets sorted.
What a farce!!
The telling thing is he hasn't played in any pre-season or any regular season games for Monaco prior to the Everton transfer mess.
He definitely has an issue, enough to derail a transfer and have both medical teams arguing over it. Remove the last-minute panic and stress out of the situation by doing all this a month, a week or even a day earlier and it all gets sorted.
What a farce!!
Frank Fearns
28 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:27:53
28 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:27:53
Stu @18,
Sadly, I'm afraid footballers are businesses -- as shown by the wheeling and dealing of players in the last few days.
Unfortunately, our elite upper management sadly displayed gross incompetence in their dealing. Phil McNulty sums it up on the BBC Sports website.
There is a huge chasm between supporters and billionaire owners. Clubs are pawns or toys for playing with. They've no idea what is in the hearts and minds of supporters that attend, week-in & week-out, in all sorts of weather. Everton for them is just a business in little old England.
Sadly, as you can probably see, I've become more cynical with how football has developed and how my beloved Everton is being taken apart by incompetent owners.
Sadly, I'm afraid footballers are businesses -- as shown by the wheeling and dealing of players in the last few days.
Unfortunately, our elite upper management sadly displayed gross incompetence in their dealing. Phil McNulty sums it up on the BBC Sports website.
There is a huge chasm between supporters and billionaire owners. Clubs are pawns or toys for playing with. They've no idea what is in the hearts and minds of supporters that attend, week-in & week-out, in all sorts of weather. Everton for them is just a business in little old England.
Sadly, as you can probably see, I've become more cynical with how football has developed and how my beloved Everton is being taken apart by incompetent owners.
Ian McAvoy
29 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:34:22
29 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:34:22
Two takeaways...
Firstly: We dodged a bullet with him. Sounds like an entitled prima donna.
Secondly: the ivory tower at the club (Kinnear etc) are incompetent. All mouth, no trousers.
Firstly: We dodged a bullet with him. Sounds like an entitled prima donna.
Secondly: the ivory tower at the club (Kinnear etc) are incompetent. All mouth, no trousers.
David West
30 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:36:16
30 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:36:16
You can call out Balogun all you want. It's on Everton!
Everton left it to the last minute. Everton and everyone else seemed to know he'd been carrying an injury. Everton tried to chip a few quid off the fee, and his wages it sounds like, or made it performance-related.
Everton were trying to get other strikers in the door while Balogun was wondering round Halewood for 9 hours. Everton let Beto go before it was a done deal. Everton made Balogun feel he wasn't truly wanted.
There's no one to blame but Everton, their organisation, planning, execution, contingency, professionalism. He was here, ready to sign. It's not on the player, I'd tell them to fuck off myself if I'd been messed around all day.
Everton left it to the last minute. Everton and everyone else seemed to know he'd been carrying an injury. Everton tried to chip a few quid off the fee, and his wages it sounds like, or made it performance-related.
Everton were trying to get other strikers in the door while Balogun was wondering round Halewood for 9 hours. Everton let Beto go before it was a done deal. Everton made Balogun feel he wasn't truly wanted.
There's no one to blame but Everton, their organisation, planning, execution, contingency, professionalism. He was here, ready to sign. It's not on the player, I'd tell them to fuck off myself if I'd been messed around all day.
Gavin Johnson
31 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:41:21
31 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:41:21
He sounds like a sensitive cry baby. However, If I was being impartial and didn't have my Everton hat on, I wouldn't blame him for walking.
Himself and Monaco feel that they were transparent about what they feel is a minor injury. Everton seemingly moved the goal posts to get a better deal, and also tried to bring in other players (Zirkzee and Abraham) while he was probably twiddling his thumbs and reading it unfold on social media.
As far as TFG are concerned, I hope they sell up and get out of our club now.
Himself and Monaco feel that they were transparent about what they feel is a minor injury. Everton seemingly moved the goal posts to get a better deal, and also tried to bring in other players (Zirkzee and Abraham) while he was probably twiddling his thumbs and reading it unfold on social media.
As far as TFG are concerned, I hope they sell up and get out of our club now.
Frank Worrall
32 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:42:42
32 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:42:42
As so often happens, the Balogun medical and its outcome has attracted an awful lot of conjecture. The simple fact is that medical examinations are carried out by professionals who are experts in their particular fields, eg, sporting injuries, and who behave in an ethical manner and observe patient confidentiality at all stages of the procedure.
Furthermore, if they discover something during the examination that might affect the patient's health or welfare, they are obliged to inform him/her and where necessary, seek a second opinion.
It therefore serves no purpose for others to second guess what prompted Balogun to pull out of the negotiations when both his and the EFC teams had reached a common agreement and were happy to sign the transfer documents.
As for Everton to sound out other potential players, surely there is nothing wrong in that? Moyes has made no secret his wish to increase the size of the playing squad?
We may never know why matters turned out as they did, and to start looking for someone or some set of circumstances to blame is therefore pointless. It is far better to accept the results and move on.
Furthermore, if they discover something during the examination that might affect the patient's health or welfare, they are obliged to inform him/her and where necessary, seek a second opinion.
It therefore serves no purpose for others to second guess what prompted Balogun to pull out of the negotiations when both his and the EFC teams had reached a common agreement and were happy to sign the transfer documents.
As for Everton to sound out other potential players, surely there is nothing wrong in that? Moyes has made no secret his wish to increase the size of the playing squad?
We may never know why matters turned out as they did, and to start looking for someone or some set of circumstances to blame is therefore pointless. It is far better to accept the results and move on.
Mark Ryan
33 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:43:01
33 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:43:01
We need to move on, don't we. As supporters, we are hamstrung to change this. We need to look for a free agent to help plug that striker gap.
I'd say we need to hope that TFG decide to sell us because it's not working.
I'd say we need to hope that TFG decide to sell us because it's not working.
Steve Shave
34 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:44:20
34 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:44:20
I've felt pre-occupied with this all day and I still have the fucking hump about it.
If we'd got this deal over the line, we'd all be a little less hysterical about it despite the lack of full-back cover.
I've just been looking at the Saudi and Turkish leagues (another 2 weeks of their windows I believe?) as well as free agents. Toney is the obvious one but he's been a huge success there and we know he loves the £££££ so I doubt that very much.
I think Icardi on a free is our best bet, he got 19 goals and assists for Galatasaray last season. He has the physicality for the Premier League but his age is a problem, would we want to offer a 2-year deal? I can't see any frees wanting a 1-year deal.
If we'd got this deal over the line, we'd all be a little less hysterical about it despite the lack of full-back cover.
I've just been looking at the Saudi and Turkish leagues (another 2 weeks of their windows I believe?) as well as free agents. Toney is the obvious one but he's been a huge success there and we know he loves the £££££ so I doubt that very much.
I think Icardi on a free is our best bet, he got 19 goals and assists for Galatasaray last season. He has the physicality for the Premier League but his age is a problem, would we want to offer a 2-year deal? I can't see any frees wanting a 1-year deal.
Mike Gaynes
35 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:53:29
35 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:53:29
David #30, it wasn't just Everton that left it to the last minute. As reported in the US press today (it's a big story here of course) Balogun was late for his medical and Monaco -- a notoriously unprofessional operation -- was hours late delivering the required medical paperwork. So there's enough blame to go around.
Plus the injury concern was legitimate. Balogun rolled an ankle in the World Cu[ that apparently hadn't fully healed yet. And we did get better financial terms as a result.
So, while I certainly understand the kid getting pissed off and cancelling the deal, some of this mess wasn't Everton's fault.
TFG/Kinnear's massive fuckup was selling Beto. We shouldn't have sold him at all, but definitely definitely definitely not before having a signed and sealed replacement on board.
We needed three strikers to compete for Europe and Cups. We are now down to one. That is an unrecoverable blunder, one that should cost Kinnear his job, and our pooch is truly screwed.
Plus the injury concern was legitimate. Balogun rolled an ankle in the World Cu[ that apparently hadn't fully healed yet. And we did get better financial terms as a result.
So, while I certainly understand the kid getting pissed off and cancelling the deal, some of this mess wasn't Everton's fault.
TFG/Kinnear's massive fuckup was selling Beto. We shouldn't have sold him at all, but definitely definitely definitely not before having a signed and sealed replacement on board.
We needed three strikers to compete for Europe and Cups. We are now down to one. That is an unrecoverable blunder, one that should cost Kinnear his job, and our pooch is truly screwed.
Les Callan
36 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:53:51
36 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:53:51
There doesn't seem to be much unrest about Kinnear.
Only just over a thousand have signed the petition calling for him to resign.
Only just over a thousand have signed the petition calling for him to resign.
Mike Gaynes
37 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:57:31
37 Posted 02/09/2026 at 17:57:31
Les, I predicted on another board that he'll be gone by breakfast time on Friday.
David West
38 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:06:26
38 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:06:26
Mike G. Everton calling anyone an unprofessional operation is funny.
I'm not really arsed everyone does it at the last minute. If your doing that, you need to be prepared for all outcomes; we obviously weren't.
Late for a medical? Well you should expect that. Fail the medical? Expect that! Monaco messing? Expect that! You can't blame others when you don't get your business done!
Spurs lost Ndiaye, got Mudryk instead. Man City lost Gakpo, got Ndiaye instead. Letting Beto go before a replacement is in is just amateur.
Selling Beto isn't the end of the world; I'd expect Johnson to score more this season.
I'm not really arsed everyone does it at the last minute. If your doing that, you need to be prepared for all outcomes; we obviously weren't.
Late for a medical? Well you should expect that. Fail the medical? Expect that! Monaco messing? Expect that! You can't blame others when you don't get your business done!
Spurs lost Ndiaye, got Mudryk instead. Man City lost Gakpo, got Ndiaye instead. Letting Beto go before a replacement is in is just amateur.
Selling Beto isn't the end of the world; I'd expect Johnson to score more this season.
Sean Kelly
39 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:07:31
39 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:07:31
I said it on another thread. These pricks TFG are only here to asset-strip. They hold the cards.
We will be left with no ground or no training ground and Goodison Park turned into a housing development.
We will be left with no ground or no training ground and Goodison Park turned into a housing development.
Gavin Johnson
40 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:07:32
40 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:07:32
Compared to Barrett-Baxendale, Elstone and Wyness, Kinnear seemed streets ahead in his openness to speak to fan groups. Unfortunately, he just looks like a BS artist now, giving flannel to appease supporters.
I find it hard to believe he would openly put himself in the firing line with recent interviews he didn't need to do if he was going to look like a laughing stock and liar a couple of weeks later.
I blame TFG's radio silence since they bought the club and the fact that Friedkin senior has never set foot at a game which looks like a total dis-association apart from balance sheets and trying to bleed fans while giving little back in return on the pitch.
That said, someone has got to pay for this cluster fuck and I think Kinnear will be one that goes.
I find it hard to believe he would openly put himself in the firing line with recent interviews he didn't need to do if he was going to look like a laughing stock and liar a couple of weeks later.
I blame TFG's radio silence since they bought the club and the fact that Friedkin senior has never set foot at a game which looks like a total dis-association apart from balance sheets and trying to bleed fans while giving little back in return on the pitch.
That said, someone has got to pay for this cluster fuck and I think Kinnear will be one that goes.
Mike Corcoran
41 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:15:43
41 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:15:43
They'll end up sending us back to Goodison and the lower leagues...
Ged Simpson
42 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:16:16
42 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:16:16
Agree Sean 39.
But as I said earlier elsewhere, I am concerned they also see a way of generating income for themselves on the back of fan loyalty and paying big money as they fill the ground every game and pay a crazy price for a pint and a Roll de Sausage.
Christ knows how we win as fans apart from loudly and regularly demonstrating. But sure others may have a better idea?
But as I said earlier elsewhere, I am concerned they also see a way of generating income for themselves on the back of fan loyalty and paying big money as they fill the ground every game and pay a crazy price for a pint and a Roll de Sausage.
Christ knows how we win as fans apart from loudly and regularly demonstrating. But sure others may have a better idea?
Ian Bennett
43 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:24:54
43 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:24:54
Clifford Finch, Barrett-Baxendale, Kinnear, etc -- all cut from the same cloth.
Out of their depth.
Out of their depth.
Dale Self
44 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:36:23
44 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:36:23
Steve Shave, I know how you feel, I have been drinking Fuckoffee all morning. Trying to figure it out, saying "fuck off" every minute or so.
Through all the speculation and plot variations, I cannot find one that acquits TFG for this shambolic failure, not one. Now, the image Friedkin has cultivated plays against him, bigly.
Making the rest of us look bad Dan, fuckin yank, fuckin Texan yank.
Through all the speculation and plot variations, I cannot find one that acquits TFG for this shambolic failure, not one. Now, the image Friedkin has cultivated plays against him, bigly.
Making the rest of us look bad Dan, fuckin yank, fuckin Texan yank.
Michael Connelly
45 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:54:10
45 Posted 02/09/2026 at 18:54:10
Wouldn't have happened under Bill K's watch; Bill would have been wining and dining the lad.
Would have probably have paid twice the price for him, mind.
Would have probably have paid twice the price for him, mind.
Mike Gaynes
46 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:11:02
46 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:11:02
Excerpts from an article on The Athletic that says Balogun seriously screwed himself by walking away from the Everton opportunity after shining at the World Cup:
And so, at the end of a dreamy summer, two months after he seized every spotlight imaginable, Balogun will retreat to the relative anonymity of Monaco, to home games at a half-empty 16,360-seat stadium, to a league that few in the United States know how to watch.
It's a hugely disappointing outcome for Balogun, who seemed ready to leap back to England. After lighting up the World Cup, he was vaguely linked with a move to multiple Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur. As the end of the summer window neared, Aston Villa popped up as a potential suitor, then Everton came calling. Although they weren't ideal landing spots, each would have been a step up from Monaco.
Everton initially agreed to pay an initial $52.3m (£38.58m; €45m) plus a prior sell-on fee and $5.8m (£4.3m; €5m) in add-ons; but then, after Tuesday's medical, attempts to re-negotiate the deal ended with Balogun deciding against the move.
A summer that began with so much success and acclaim ended, presumably, in frustration — for multiple reasons.
To uninitiated viewers who tuned in on June 12 or July 1, Balogun looked like one of the very best soccer players on the planet. He introduced himself to the US by scoring three World Cup goals and creating another. He wowed aficionados and new fans alike with his movement, his pace and his precise finishing. Then, when a red card kindled controversy all around him, he wowed everyone with his grace and poise.
Even before the World Cup, Balogun had hit a new level at Monaco. He scored nine Ligue 1 goals (on a league-leading 8.8 xG) from Feb. 1, 2026, through the end of last season. He also hit two in the Champions League against PSG. He had sharpened his running off the shoulders of defenders. He looked ready for an elevated stage.
Everton would have been that step. It seemed like a suitable platform, both for Balogun's talent and for his prestige.
Monaco, frankly, isn't.
It's a wonderful place to live, an impossibly fancy haven on the Mediterranean. And the club is well-run, with coveted players cycling through regularly. But it averaged 8,165 fans per game last season as it stumbled to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1.
Monaco won't have Champions League football in 2026-27. Instead, they will play in Uefa's third-tier tournament, the Conference League. And its domestic games — Balogun's games — are stuck on streaming services in both the US and UK.
It is the opposite of the spotlight that Balogun embraced this summer like few American players ever have. The pressure and attention seemed to lift him. Some players crumble beneath it; Balogun seemed made to meet the moment.
Now, he will have to wait at least five months, and maybe a year, for his next one.
And so, at the end of a dreamy summer, two months after he seized every spotlight imaginable, Balogun will retreat to the relative anonymity of Monaco, to home games at a half-empty 16,360-seat stadium, to a league that few in the United States know how to watch.
It's a hugely disappointing outcome for Balogun, who seemed ready to leap back to England. After lighting up the World Cup, he was vaguely linked with a move to multiple Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur. As the end of the summer window neared, Aston Villa popped up as a potential suitor, then Everton came calling. Although they weren't ideal landing spots, each would have been a step up from Monaco.
Everton initially agreed to pay an initial $52.3m (£38.58m; €45m) plus a prior sell-on fee and $5.8m (£4.3m; €5m) in add-ons; but then, after Tuesday's medical, attempts to re-negotiate the deal ended with Balogun deciding against the move.
A summer that began with so much success and acclaim ended, presumably, in frustration — for multiple reasons.
To uninitiated viewers who tuned in on June 12 or July 1, Balogun looked like one of the very best soccer players on the planet. He introduced himself to the US by scoring three World Cup goals and creating another. He wowed aficionados and new fans alike with his movement, his pace and his precise finishing. Then, when a red card kindled controversy all around him, he wowed everyone with his grace and poise.
Even before the World Cup, Balogun had hit a new level at Monaco. He scored nine Ligue 1 goals (on a league-leading 8.8 xG) from Feb. 1, 2026, through the end of last season. He also hit two in the Champions League against PSG. He had sharpened his running off the shoulders of defenders. He looked ready for an elevated stage.
Everton would have been that step. It seemed like a suitable platform, both for Balogun's talent and for his prestige.
Monaco, frankly, isn't.
It's a wonderful place to live, an impossibly fancy haven on the Mediterranean. And the club is well-run, with coveted players cycling through regularly. But it averaged 8,165 fans per game last season as it stumbled to a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1.
Monaco won't have Champions League football in 2026-27. Instead, they will play in Uefa's third-tier tournament, the Conference League. And its domestic games — Balogun's games — are stuck on streaming services in both the US and UK.
It is the opposite of the spotlight that Balogun embraced this summer like few American players ever have. The pressure and attention seemed to lift him. Some players crumble beneath it; Balogun seemed made to meet the moment.
Now, he will have to wait at least five months, and maybe a year, for his next one.
Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:17:55
47 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:17:55
Steve #34, I don't think we or anyone else will touch Icardi. He is a massive drama suck. His court cases are all over the papers in about four different countries.
Same with Toney. He was arrested again just a few weeks ago.
Welcome back, BTW.
Same with Toney. He was arrested again just a few weeks ago.
Welcome back, BTW.
Mike Corcoran
48 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:21:55
48 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:21:55
Mike Gaynes
49 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:30:24
49 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:30:24
Not many appealing choices on that list, Mike.
Mike Corcoran
50 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:33:23
50 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:33:23
Beggars can't be choosers, Mike.
Half of them, injured or not, would be better on the ball than Beto.
Half of them, injured or not, would be better on the ball than Beto.
Mike Gaynes
51 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:39:44
51 Posted 02/09/2026 at 19:39:44
Who would you pick from that lot, Mike?
ESPN reports Martial's agent called us first thing Wednesday morning.
ESPN reports Martial's agent called us first thing Wednesday morning.
Dave Abrahams
52 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:06:01
52 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:06:01
How come he was only going to cost £38M after that write up by the Athletic writer with those 5th and 6th paragraphs “He looked like one of the best soccer players on the planet”
I'm not having a go at the player — he didn't write the article — but the writer, he makes Balogun look like a superstar -- how come he is going so cheap? Who is the writer?
I'm not having a go at the player — he didn't write the article — but the writer, he makes Balogun look like a superstar -- how come he is going so cheap? Who is the writer?
Christy Ring
53 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:13:31
53 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:13:31
Watching Baz on Toffee TV, totally deflated, as we all are. He was saying we can forget about Europe and the cups, with the smallest squad and depleted upfront and fullback areas, we'll be watching over our shoulders now.
He put the complete blame on TFG, as well as Kinnear and his band of merry men, they should all walk.
He put the complete blame on TFG, as well as Kinnear and his band of merry men, they should all walk.
Mike Gaynes
54 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:13:41
54 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:13:41
Dave, the writer was Henry Bushnell, who covers the US national team.
In answer to your question, I suspect the reason Balogun came cheaper than other strikers was because he had only one proven top level season on his résumé. And it was in France.
In answer to your question, I suspect the reason Balogun came cheaper than other strikers was because he had only one proven top level season on his résumé. And it was in France.
Ian Bennett
55 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:31:24
55 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:31:24
https://theesk.org/2026/09/02/the-analysis-series-evertons-2026-summer-transfer-window/
Any comments on this Mike? Do you think they'll sell up?
Any comments on this Mike? Do you think they'll sell up?
Alan McGuffog
56 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:32:20
56 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:32:20
Forget about Europe!
Jesus wept, if we're still in the Premier League next May, it'll be by the Grace of God.
Jesus wept, if we're still in the Premier League next May, it'll be by the Grace of God.
Dave Abrahams
57 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:39:32
57 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:39:32
Mike (54),
But the writer said he looked like one of the best soccer players on the planet... how come nobody else thought that?
Henry Bushnell — he sounds a lot like Walter Mitty!
But the writer said he looked like one of the best soccer players on the planet... how come nobody else thought that?
Henry Bushnell — he sounds a lot like Walter Mitty!
Mike Gaynes
58 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:39:34
58 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:39:34
Ian #55, anything is possible, but I would be absolutely astonished. As I've written here before, in 70 years of business, the Friedkin family have never sold anything they acquired. They've kept every business, every resort and production house, every acre of African land. They believe in building wealth by accumulation and retention, not buying and selling.
Back in the 1990s, Toyota of Japan decided to buy out every private distributorship in the US. Only two distributors refused to sell up. One was the Friedkins. They fought their own partner for about 15 years to keep their private holdings. They won.
I can't imagine them selling Everton unless they come to view it as a losing investment – which is very, very unlikely, considering the club's rapidly growing revenue (35% year on year) and value.
Back in the 1990s, Toyota of Japan decided to buy out every private distributorship in the US. Only two distributors refused to sell up. One was the Friedkins. They fought their own partner for about 15 years to keep their private holdings. They won.
I can't imagine them selling Everton unless they come to view it as a losing investment – which is very, very unlikely, considering the club's rapidly growing revenue (35% year on year) and value.
Ray Jacques
59 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:48:08
59 Posted 02/09/2026 at 20:48:08
Reminds me of the time they kept Nigel Martyn waiting in the foyer of Park Hampers.
He got fed up, got in the car, and went and signed for Leeds.
He got fed up, got in the car, and went and signed for Leeds.
Oliver Molloy
60 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:00:29
60 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:00:29
We could be surprised... perhaps last night's transfer shenanigans could galvanise our small squad and, in a strange way (injuries permitting), will work in Moyes's favour.
He prefers to stick to players who "do the job" he wants from them; with a bigger squad he is less effective, because he lacks the ability tactically to change games -- with more options, he melts in my opinion!
No matter what, this was truly amateur stuff from Kinnear and Co. From the first day to the last day of the transfer window, it has been an utter shambles and once again an embarrassment to the club.
Just 10 days ago, Kinnear was saying our first / second choice right-back targets were still available and he was confident of a deal -- he's a fucking liar -- anyone with any sense will see through his bullshit.
Who decided to sell Nidaye for £60M when he was worth £75M -- Man City waved a loan fee? Well, we are paying 90% of Grealish's wage = £270k per week!
Who decided to sell Armstrong? And the biggest fuck up of all was not signing a player who wanted to play for us, would have got us goals, and ran his heart out -- not signing Richarlison was just fucking stupid in my opinion.
TFG need a rocket up their arse, similar to what they got from Roma fans. Don't be surprised if we get a result against Man Utd at the weekend!
He prefers to stick to players who "do the job" he wants from them; with a bigger squad he is less effective, because he lacks the ability tactically to change games -- with more options, he melts in my opinion!
No matter what, this was truly amateur stuff from Kinnear and Co. From the first day to the last day of the transfer window, it has been an utter shambles and once again an embarrassment to the club.
Just 10 days ago, Kinnear was saying our first / second choice right-back targets were still available and he was confident of a deal -- he's a fucking liar -- anyone with any sense will see through his bullshit.
Who decided to sell Nidaye for £60M when he was worth £75M -- Man City waved a loan fee? Well, we are paying 90% of Grealish's wage = £270k per week!
Who decided to sell Armstrong? And the biggest fuck up of all was not signing a player who wanted to play for us, would have got us goals, and ran his heart out -- not signing Richarlison was just fucking stupid in my opinion.
TFG need a rocket up their arse, similar to what they got from Roma fans. Don't be surprised if we get a result against Man Utd at the weekend!
Sean Kearns
61 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:05:01
61 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:05:01
Big American businessmen who always get their own way and don't get told No very often... well, oh dear! Football (especially in England) is not like any other business! It's certainly not like the car industry, that's for sure!
They are clearly out of their depth and are too cheap to hang with the big dogs of the Premier League. They are cheapskate, mingebag, penny-pinching clowns!! Absolute amateur, cheapskate, stupid pricks who are way out of their depth in the Premier League…
They thought they were big dogs and could screw people over for money -- I think it's hilarious that they got caught out and showed how utterly fucking pathetic they really are!
Cheap, deceiving bastards who thought they were better than everyone else! The Premier League is the biggest sports league in the entire world, these amateurs have no place here…
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum!!… they have no place here!!
They are clearly out of their depth and are too cheap to hang with the big dogs of the Premier League. They are cheapskate, mingebag, penny-pinching clowns!! Absolute amateur, cheapskate, stupid pricks who are way out of their depth in the Premier League…
They thought they were big dogs and could screw people over for money -- I think it's hilarious that they got caught out and showed how utterly fucking pathetic they really are!
Cheap, deceiving bastards who thought they were better than everyone else! The Premier League is the biggest sports league in the entire world, these amateurs have no place here…
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum!!… they have no place here!!
Steve Johnston
62 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:11:52
62 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:11:52
Sean 61
Don't sit on the fence mate, tell us what you really think!
Don't sit on the fence mate, tell us what you really think!
Mike Gaynes
63 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:23:19
63 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:23:19
Oliver, I don’t think Angus was lying – I think he really did believe we were going to get Doue. We actually submitted two bids that were higher than the one Strasbourg eventually accepted for him. Even PSG tabled a bid and offered him a chance to play with his brother. But he turned them down too -- he really really really really wanted to go to Leverkusen.
And the Richarlison deal died when Illy opted for City instead of Spurs. Reportedly the two transactions with Spurs were interconnected.
And the Richarlison deal died when Illy opted for City instead of Spurs. Reportedly the two transactions with Spurs were interconnected.
Oliver Molloy
64 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:27:49
64 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:27:49
Sean, agree with lots you say, except.
NFL ( American football ) is the biggest and generates the most bucks.
NFL ( American football ) is the biggest and generates the most bucks.
Ian Bennett
65 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:30:41
65 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:30:41
Oliver, I think that is the worrying thing.
They were prepared to sell Armstrong to Forest for £35m. Not man city, united or chlesea. But Nottingham forest.
They sold Ndiaye for £60m plus what other buts they get. A good £10-15m under value.
Patterson and Beto for loose change.
Garner offered just £65m, when England plsyers like Anderson went for nearly twice that.
It feels very like something changed. It feels very like the drawbridge fire sale button was pressed. To go from Doue to Maitland Niles. £40m to £4m, makes zero sense.
Angus going out and make a big song and dance, to being humbled. The rug was pulled from under Moyes, and how he has know is open to interpretation.
But Kinnear dug himself a massive hole in under 10 days. He will be the fall guy. No ceo can recover from this absolute catastrophe, and survive.
They were prepared to sell Armstrong to Forest for £35m. Not man city, united or chlesea. But Nottingham forest.
They sold Ndiaye for £60m plus what other buts they get. A good £10-15m under value.
Patterson and Beto for loose change.
Garner offered just £65m, when England plsyers like Anderson went for nearly twice that.
It feels very like something changed. It feels very like the drawbridge fire sale button was pressed. To go from Doue to Maitland Niles. £40m to £4m, makes zero sense.
Angus going out and make a big song and dance, to being humbled. The rug was pulled from under Moyes, and how he has know is open to interpretation.
But Kinnear dug himself a massive hole in under 10 days. He will be the fall guy. No ceo can recover from this absolute catastrophe, and survive.
Mark Taylor
66 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:37:47
66 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:37:47
Mike 58
I know we've had this conversation before but the fact they didn't want to see their Toyota dealership over the decades be taken away counts for nothing against recent investment diversification.
For decades, that dealership has been a cash cow, THF's diversification is very recent, funded by that cash cow, and aside from the two football clubs, pretty much all are genuine labours of love.
If anyone here thinks Everton is a labour of love for TFG, I have a metaphorical bridge to sell them. They'll sell at the right price, just as they would have sold Armstrong and did sell Ndiaye.
I know we've had this conversation before but the fact they didn't want to see their Toyota dealership over the decades be taken away counts for nothing against recent investment diversification.
For decades, that dealership has been a cash cow, THF's diversification is very recent, funded by that cash cow, and aside from the two football clubs, pretty much all are genuine labours of love.
If anyone here thinks Everton is a labour of love for TFG, I have a metaphorical bridge to sell them. They'll sell at the right price, just as they would have sold Armstrong and did sell Ndiaye.
Christy Ring
67 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:40:17
67 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:40:17
Mike #63
The deal for Richarlison was separate, and he wanted to come.
It was either bonuses owed by Spurs, or we didn't match his wages, nothing to do with Ndiaye.
The deal for Richarlison was separate, and he wanted to come.
It was either bonuses owed by Spurs, or we didn't match his wages, nothing to do with Ndiaye.
Jay Lewis
68 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:44:39
68 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:44:39
I can't believe people are still trying to deflect blame here.
Balogun was at Finch Farm all day and finds that Everton are looking at other strikers because they're not convinced they're going to get a better discount on the deal. It's like going on a date but still swiping on Tinder just in case.
Really unprofessional of the club to belittle the player in this way. What stinks is the fact that we signed an injured Norgaard without issues but then, on deadline day, an injury has become a massive issue.
I'm very vocal in the fact that I want Moyes out, but after yesterday, who on earth would be stupid enough to come to our joke of a club?
I'm now hoping Moyes can bring back the "dogs of war" mentality with the squad he's got and hopefully be forced to use more youngsters and maybe bring a "class of 92" element into things.
There needs to be a very strong statement of disapproval and disappointment from us supporters towards the owners and "transfer committee", starting at the Man Utd game. I'm going to lay off Moyes for a minute, this isn't his fault.
Balogun, I personally apologise for the way Everton took the piss out of you.
Ndiaye... Everton never touched him in the way Everton touches others, goodbye and good luck, you're not that special mate, but a brave "transfer committee" would have not let you go for less than £85 to 90M, possibly more when you look at some other deals. City have robbed us.
Everton have obviously touched Jack Grealish. Thanks for coming back, mate, and I'm glad you did.
Let's all get behind what we have from today and aim any/all anger at the owners and directors, fuck them!! UTFT
ps: When Howard Kendall told players to go out and let the Gwladys Street terraces suck the ball in, let's try and give Thierno Bambi that very same mentality, just hit that ball towards the South Stand and we'll suck that ball into the net, mate. COYB!!!!
Balogun was at Finch Farm all day and finds that Everton are looking at other strikers because they're not convinced they're going to get a better discount on the deal. It's like going on a date but still swiping on Tinder just in case.
Really unprofessional of the club to belittle the player in this way. What stinks is the fact that we signed an injured Norgaard without issues but then, on deadline day, an injury has become a massive issue.
I'm very vocal in the fact that I want Moyes out, but after yesterday, who on earth would be stupid enough to come to our joke of a club?
I'm now hoping Moyes can bring back the "dogs of war" mentality with the squad he's got and hopefully be forced to use more youngsters and maybe bring a "class of 92" element into things.
There needs to be a very strong statement of disapproval and disappointment from us supporters towards the owners and "transfer committee", starting at the Man Utd game. I'm going to lay off Moyes for a minute, this isn't his fault.
Balogun, I personally apologise for the way Everton took the piss out of you.
Ndiaye... Everton never touched him in the way Everton touches others, goodbye and good luck, you're not that special mate, but a brave "transfer committee" would have not let you go for less than £85 to 90M, possibly more when you look at some other deals. City have robbed us.
Everton have obviously touched Jack Grealish. Thanks for coming back, mate, and I'm glad you did.
Let's all get behind what we have from today and aim any/all anger at the owners and directors, fuck them!! UTFT
ps: When Howard Kendall told players to go out and let the Gwladys Street terraces suck the ball in, let's try and give Thierno Bambi that very same mentality, just hit that ball towards the South Stand and we'll suck that ball into the net, mate. COYB!!!!
Jimmy Salt
69 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:50:47
69 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:50:47
Injured or not, our scouting and recruitment department need torching.
Our CEO talks of structuring the club in the same way as the Brentfords and Bournmouths of the league and then presides over this clusterfuck.
Our CEO talks of structuring the club in the same way as the Brentfords and Bournmouths of the league and then presides over this clusterfuck.
Brendan McLaughlin
70 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:52:20
70 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:52:20
Jay #68,
Surely Balogun, knowing that Everton let Beto go, would expect Everton to bring in another back-up striker?
We'd brought him in but let Beto go. We were still a striker light.
In fact, if the guy wasn't confident enough to be first pick ahead of any last-minute acquisition... bullet dodged.
Surely Balogun, knowing that Everton let Beto go, would expect Everton to bring in another back-up striker?
We'd brought him in but let Beto go. We were still a striker light.
In fact, if the guy wasn't confident enough to be first pick ahead of any last-minute acquisition... bullet dodged.
Jay Lewis
71 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:58:46
71 Posted 02/09/2026 at 21:58:46
Brendan, of course, but they took the piss out of him. They started panic scouting while he's in the building. They could have said to him, listen, we're still looking for another striker as we're short on numbers, but they've obviously made him feel like they didn't really value him.
Unprofessional, they fucked up good and proper
Unprofessional, they fucked up good and proper
Mike Gaynes
72 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:03:58
72 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:03:58
Jimmy, our scouting and recruitment operation was torched.
We brought in a new director last fall.
We brought in a new director last fall.
Brendan McLaughlin
73 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:13:04
73 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:13:04
Seriously Jay #71
Any footballer knows and accepts that their club wants to strengthen as much as possible even if it means bringing in a player that might challenge them in their position.
And that's nothing but healthy.
Do you really think that when Everton are looking at a a new central defender... they bring in the existing ones and say "Listen guys we know this is gonna hurt but"
Any footballer knows and accepts that their club wants to strengthen as much as possible even if it means bringing in a player that might challenge them in their position.
And that's nothing but healthy.
Do you really think that when Everton are looking at a a new central defender... they bring in the existing ones and say "Listen guys we know this is gonna hurt but"
Jay Lewis
74 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:17:58
74 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:17:58
Brendan, I'd hate be one of your mates. Ever heard of loyalty? Building trust? It goes a long way, you should try it sometime
I bet you're a bizzy as well
I bet you're a bizzy as well
Brendan McLaughlin
75 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:27:35
75 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:27:35
Jay #74
Trust me... if I was one of your mates you'd love me.
He didn't sign for us so he's not one of our mates.
Loyalty, building trust... takes time. He didn't give us a glimmer for no reason whatsoever other than he was peeved.
"Bizzy" ?
Trust me... if I was one of your mates you'd love me.
He didn't sign for us so he's not one of our mates.
Loyalty, building trust... takes time. He didn't give us a glimmer for no reason whatsoever other than he was peeved.
"Bizzy" ?
Jay Lewis
76 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:33:09
76 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:33:09
Brendan, get those TFG glasses off your noggin mate, they're bad for your health
Maybe I would love you mate in a Will off Inbetweeners kind of mate, do you drink lager and Guinness but not Guinness because you like to split the g?
Maybe I would love you mate in a Will off Inbetweeners kind of mate, do you drink lager and Guinness but not Guinness because you like to split the g?
Josh Horne
77 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:34:18
77 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:34:18
Kinnear must go. He has lied and misled supporters and the manager repeatedly.
It is gross negligence to end the window with the squad in its current state. He cannot be trusted and has demonstrated unparalleled incompetence. The club has zero credibility in the transfer market until he is gone. That should be immediate.
The recruitment team must also be consigned to the dustbin as a failed experiment.
Moyes would undoubtedly be an improvement in a Director of Football role and I expect that this will be considered in the rebound from the current monumental shambles. I think it would be a big mistake and I hope that this move is resisted. We need to install a Director.of Football with a proven track record of success at an elite club.
Of course none of this will make any difference if it is the owner's intention for player recruitment to operate on a pittance. 18th net spend for a squad that was already too small is a complete disgrace. We need owners who show ambition.
Friedkins, piss or get off the pot.
It is gross negligence to end the window with the squad in its current state. He cannot be trusted and has demonstrated unparalleled incompetence. The club has zero credibility in the transfer market until he is gone. That should be immediate.
The recruitment team must also be consigned to the dustbin as a failed experiment.
Moyes would undoubtedly be an improvement in a Director of Football role and I expect that this will be considered in the rebound from the current monumental shambles. I think it would be a big mistake and I hope that this move is resisted. We need to install a Director.of Football with a proven track record of success at an elite club.
Of course none of this will make any difference if it is the owner's intention for player recruitment to operate on a pittance. 18th net spend for a squad that was already too small is a complete disgrace. We need owners who show ambition.
Friedkins, piss or get off the pot.
Jay Lewis
78 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:41:59
78 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:41:59
Josh, Moyes is not a manager to work with a full on director. I don't want Moyes but I'm also not a fan of the director model. The manager should always have the final say in my opinion. Bring back the good ole days FFS
I honestly can't find as much blame in Moyes than I can with this so called transfer committee
He's getting a bit of a reprieve off me on this one
I honestly can't find as much blame in Moyes than I can with this so called transfer committee
He's getting a bit of a reprieve off me on this one
David West
79 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:43:10
79 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:43:10
Mike G. I too believe TFG are here for good.
It's a long term thing. No quick spin and sell
I don't actually think Dan's making these footballing decisions at all, probably not even in the loop.
I don't think kinear is ringing Dan every 10 minutes on deadline day, saying we're looking at balogun, we're selling beto, Pattersons going...
Come on, this is why TFG appoint these people, they basically let him get on with it, it's his job !
Tfg can't put money in, it's what we generate we are allowed to spend.
So kinear has to generate the funds, and can spend the funds.
Dan just wants to see progress, on the pitch and on the generating of income.
This is kinears job, he's failed, hung out Moyes, left us and tfg looking like a 2 bit outfit.
The blame on tfg should come if they don't take action.
If a player is playing badly, you take him off.
If a CEO makes your club look like a laughing stock, and leaves your manager with an inadequate squad .
You take him off !!!!
It's a long term thing. No quick spin and sell
I don't actually think Dan's making these footballing decisions at all, probably not even in the loop.
I don't think kinear is ringing Dan every 10 minutes on deadline day, saying we're looking at balogun, we're selling beto, Pattersons going...
Come on, this is why TFG appoint these people, they basically let him get on with it, it's his job !
Tfg can't put money in, it's what we generate we are allowed to spend.
So kinear has to generate the funds, and can spend the funds.
Dan just wants to see progress, on the pitch and on the generating of income.
This is kinears job, he's failed, hung out Moyes, left us and tfg looking like a 2 bit outfit.
The blame on tfg should come if they don't take action.
If a player is playing badly, you take him off.
If a CEO makes your club look like a laughing stock, and leaves your manager with an inadequate squad .
You take him off !!!!
Brendan McLaughlin
80 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:43:27
80 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:43:27
Seriously Jay #76
WTF?
WTF?
Mark Taylor
81 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:51:26
81 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:51:26
"Tfg can't put money in, it's what we generate we are allowed to spend.
So kinear has to generate the funds, and can spend the funds."
So David, when Kinnear went on record to say we are now a top third club by revenue, do you think he was lying?
If you think he wasn't what do you think our current SCR ratio is and what do you think TFG would have settled for?
So kinear has to generate the funds, and can spend the funds."
So David, when Kinnear went on record to say we are now a top third club by revenue, do you think he was lying?
If you think he wasn't what do you think our current SCR ratio is and what do you think TFG would have settled for?
Jay Lewis
82 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:51:55
82 Posted 02/09/2026 at 22:51:55
Agree David @79
Brendan McLaughlin
83 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:01:19
83 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:01:19
Agree David #79
If TFG see the collapse at the end of last season as failure... they should recognise this window as a major failure and move to fix it.
If TFG see the collapse at the end of last season as failure... they should recognise this window as a major failure and move to fix it.
Robert Williams
84 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:15:15
84 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:15:15
As I see it, and so do many others here by the sound of it.
Both clubs acknowledged there was an injury problem, otherwise why would Monaco agree to altering the contract. Yes, maybe the player thought he would get away with it and was found out and cried off.
BUT the fundamental ballsup here is the fact that EVERTON ALWAYS LEAVE THESE THINGS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE..
Moyes has looked like a rabbit in the headlights for weeks, he cannot have been happy with the way things were progressing. However this does not get him off the hook, if he had the balls to do so he should have made the position perfectly clear to TFG, perhaps he did, but he is as guilty as anyone for this fiasco. He claims to want the best 'for the fans'. He is our, the fans mouthpiece to the the board. I bet he is as sick as a parrot now and probably shitting himself thinking of the job ahead. Serves him right.
Both clubs acknowledged there was an injury problem, otherwise why would Monaco agree to altering the contract. Yes, maybe the player thought he would get away with it and was found out and cried off.
BUT the fundamental ballsup here is the fact that EVERTON ALWAYS LEAVE THESE THINGS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE..
Moyes has looked like a rabbit in the headlights for weeks, he cannot have been happy with the way things were progressing. However this does not get him off the hook, if he had the balls to do so he should have made the position perfectly clear to TFG, perhaps he did, but he is as guilty as anyone for this fiasco. He claims to want the best 'for the fans'. He is our, the fans mouthpiece to the the board. I bet he is as sick as a parrot now and probably shitting himself thinking of the job ahead. Serves him right.
Brendan McLaughlin
85 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:26:42
85 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:26:42
Just when I'm feeling at a low ebb...someone comes along and posts a load of bile and I'm feeling "Fuck you"
I hope we go in with that attitude at the weekend.
I hope we go in with that attitude at the weekend.
Sean Kearns
86 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:31:42
86 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:31:42
Oliver #64: I said “biggest”… not “richest”…. The premier league is watched in over 180 countries! The NFL relies on North America and doesn’t come close to the premier league as far as reach goes….. and also we sold Patterson for a million fucking quid!! What Premier league team sells a 24 year old international footballer for 1 million bloody quid?? He was worth at least 10 in today’s market surely! Is there a reason he went for a 1990 price tag?
Dale Self
87 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:50:19
87 Posted 02/09/2026 at 23:50:19
Brendan, I think that is where I am landing my plane. Just a few angry stops to make, then we just fuckin get on with it with who we got.
Alright, I know that is poor English but that's a take.
Alright, I know that is poor English but that's a take.
Brendan McLaughlin
88 Posted 02/09/2026 at 00:12:59
88 Posted 02/09/2026 at 00:12:59
Dale mate #87
Some might even say "Knife to a gun fight"
Some might even say "Knife to a gun fight"
Steve Brown
89 Posted 02/09/2026 at 00:52:44
89 Posted 02/09/2026 at 00:52:44
I got a lot of WhatsApp messages yesterday from fellow blues - family an friends.
They all had the same word in them…”embarrassment.”
A bad 6 days, worst since the dog days of Moshiri and Kenwright. But we need to come out fighting at the weekend and back the manager and the team.
The Friedkins won’t be there to face the anger of the fans of course. Too disinterested. If anyone thought otherwise, they are not investing in the club to succeed on the pitch, simply commoditizing us off it for maximum profit.
They all had the same word in them…”embarrassment.”
A bad 6 days, worst since the dog days of Moshiri and Kenwright. But we need to come out fighting at the weekend and back the manager and the team.
The Friedkins won’t be there to face the anger of the fans of course. Too disinterested. If anyone thought otherwise, they are not investing in the club to succeed on the pitch, simply commoditizing us off it for maximum profit.
Mike Gaynes
90 Posted 03/09/2026 at 01:18:16
90 Posted 03/09/2026 at 01:18:16
Christy #67, that's what the reports said at the time. US reporting Wednesday morning said different. (I read so much stuff today that I can't remember for sure, but I believe it was ESPN.) The deals were connected.
Rich definitely wanted to come, but he needed Spurs to agree. And after getting burned on the Ndiaye deal they were in no mood to re-craft the previous agreement. They gave him the wave-off to Turkey instead. His statement about his future being in the hands of others speaks to this.
Jay #68, Balogun was not "at Finch Farm all day." He arrived hours later than expected according to The Athletic. As did the required medical paperwork from Monaco. Everton definitely carries blame for this disaster, but not all of it. See the story above on Balogun.
Robert #84, Everton made seven signings during this window. Five were done well in advance. Only Grealish, Maitland-Niles and the Balogun mess occurred "LAST MINUTE."
Rich definitely wanted to come, but he needed Spurs to agree. And after getting burned on the Ndiaye deal they were in no mood to re-craft the previous agreement. They gave him the wave-off to Turkey instead. His statement about his future being in the hands of others speaks to this.
Jay #68, Balogun was not "at Finch Farm all day." He arrived hours later than expected according to The Athletic. As did the required medical paperwork from Monaco. Everton definitely carries blame for this disaster, but not all of it. See the story above on Balogun.
Robert #84, Everton made seven signings during this window. Five were done well in advance. Only Grealish, Maitland-Niles and the Balogun mess occurred "LAST MINUTE."
Eric Myles
91 Posted 03/09/2026 at 01:24:40
91 Posted 03/09/2026 at 01:24:40
Brendan #75 "a Bizzy" is Scouse for a policeman.
Jim Bennings
92 Posted 03/09/2026 at 05:10:28
92 Posted 03/09/2026 at 05:10:28
I prefer the old way of getting players signed.
I'm not in any way David Moyes's biggest fan but when he was here between 2002 and 2013 it was so much better without outside influence picking and choosing the players.
We picked up decent players and made them twice the player they were. Nobody else but the manager should be picking players.
I'm not in any way David Moyes's biggest fan but when he was here between 2002 and 2013 it was so much better without outside influence picking and choosing the players.
We picked up decent players and made them twice the player they were. Nobody else but the manager should be picking players.
Steve Brown
93 Posted 03/09/2026 at 05:43:36
93 Posted 03/09/2026 at 05:43:36
Jamie Leweling's move from Stuttgart to Roma fell through because they ran out of time (sounds familiar).
He is a top prospect if we are wanting to recruit a right-wing replacement for Ndiaye. Brennan Johnson is the likely starter on the right, but I am not convinced he is the answer.
We will definitely need to sign a striker, full-back, and right-winger. Do the ground work in the next 3 months and get the deals completed early in the January window. No more sell-to-buy bullshit.
The Esk estimates our SCR ratio is in the high 60s vs the target 85%. We have the money, so invest in resourcing the squad -- we have 18 outfield players and one of them is crocked.
Show you are competent to manage a transfer window without embarrassing yourselves and us fans.
He is a top prospect if we are wanting to recruit a right-wing replacement for Ndiaye. Brennan Johnson is the likely starter on the right, but I am not convinced he is the answer.
We will definitely need to sign a striker, full-back, and right-winger. Do the ground work in the next 3 months and get the deals completed early in the January window. No more sell-to-buy bullshit.
The Esk estimates our SCR ratio is in the high 60s vs the target 85%. We have the money, so invest in resourcing the squad -- we have 18 outfield players and one of them is crocked.
Show you are competent to manage a transfer window without embarrassing yourselves and us fans.
Steve Brown
94 Posted 03/09/2026 at 05:52:35
94 Posted 03/09/2026 at 05:52:35
As reported in the Athletic today:
“The private jet carrying Balogun from Nice was initially scheduled to leave early on Tuesday morning, but was pushed back and landed at lunchtime instead.
“Around 7pm we were contacted by Everton, raising questions on the medical of Balogun, which for our medical staff, and for the personal medical staff of the player, made totally no sense,” Scuro said at Wednesday's press conference. “The explanations were not enough to justify or bring concerns of the future of the player, which there is not.
“Everton and Monaco signed a dealsheet before the 11 pm deadline, allowing them to get it over the line.”
Let's assume he arrives on his private jet at 12:30 pm, he will be at Finch Farm at 1 pm as it is a 10-minute drive. Therefore, Balogun was at Finch Farm for up to 10 hours waiting for Everton to close the deal.
What happened in the 5-6 hours (including/excluding the 1-hour time difference) between him arriving at Finch Farm, taking his medical and Everton contacting Monaco with questions about the medical?
The one player I don't blame in this shitshow is the player. I would have walked as well if I had been treated in this manner.
“The private jet carrying Balogun from Nice was initially scheduled to leave early on Tuesday morning, but was pushed back and landed at lunchtime instead.
“Around 7pm we were contacted by Everton, raising questions on the medical of Balogun, which for our medical staff, and for the personal medical staff of the player, made totally no sense,” Scuro said at Wednesday's press conference. “The explanations were not enough to justify or bring concerns of the future of the player, which there is not.
“Everton and Monaco signed a dealsheet before the 11 pm deadline, allowing them to get it over the line.”
Let's assume he arrives on his private jet at 12:30 pm, he will be at Finch Farm at 1 pm as it is a 10-minute drive. Therefore, Balogun was at Finch Farm for up to 10 hours waiting for Everton to close the deal.
What happened in the 5-6 hours (including/excluding the 1-hour time difference) between him arriving at Finch Farm, taking his medical and Everton contacting Monaco with questions about the medical?
The one player I don't blame in this shitshow is the player. I would have walked as well if I had been treated in this manner.
Paul Hewitt
95 Posted 03/09/2026 at 06:39:13
95 Posted 03/09/2026 at 06:39:13
Balogun will look back on this as a blessing.
Andrew Ellams
96 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:00:45
96 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:00:45
Jim @92...
He didn't pick up the Dithering Dave nickname for nothing.
He didn't pick up the Dithering Dave nickname for nothing.
Mike Gaynes
97 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:30:32
97 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:30:32
New reporting in the past hour by The Athletic's Tom Burrows and Paddy Boyland, pulling together all the threads of the entire Balogun - Camara fiasco from their sources at Everton, Monaco and Chelsea.
Basically it appears Everton were even more incompetent than we thought, and both Balogun and Monaco were at least partly dishonest.
Biggest revelations are that Everton had been pursuing Balogun for months without anybody hearing about it -- and that Balogun had been training irregularly without Everton knowing about it. There was actual GPS data confirming it, although the article doesn't say when Everton received that data. (Balogun had rolled an ankle at the World Cup.)
And it appears that both Balogun's late arrival and Monaco's much-delayed delivery of Balogun's critical medical records may have been an attempt to obscure the issue.
Not revealed is the actual reason Balogun left town, why Monaco was so eager to close the deal after screwing Chelsea out of the Camara sale, exactly why Balogun hasn't even made the bench for Monaco in their first four games, and who was responsible for the farcical lack of due diligence on the part of Everton to ensure the player was fit, which it turns out we could have done days earlier by moving up his medical.
Here's an excerpted version of a very long article, from which I have edited out most of the Chelsea material we don't care about:
When Folarin Balogun landed in a private jet at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Tuesday lunchtime, it appeared his move to Everton was a formality.
The previous evening, Everton had reached an agreement with Monaco to sign the United States striker in a deal worth €45m (£39m, $52m), with €5m add-ons.
All that was left was to iron out the final details and for Balogun to complete his medical. Everton would then have the striker they had craved all summer.
Everton were delighted by the chance to sign Balogun, a player they had feared would be out of reach after his impressive performances at the World Cup.
With Balogun seemingly on the way, Everton were happy to sanction the departure of Beto to Fiorentina in a permanent deal worth €18m.
However, after Balogun touched down in Liverpool, few could have foreseen the extraordinary chain of events that would follow — and ultimately lead to the collapse of Chelsea's deal to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
To tell this story, The Athletic spoke to several people with knowledge of the circumstances around the deals, who spoke anonymously to protect relationships, unless otherwise noted.
There was real excitement at the prospect of signing Balogun, who had been top of their wish list all summer.
Everton had spoken to the player's camp for weeks, but it was only in the final days that it became clear a deal could be done.
Had Balogun joined David Moyes's side, he would have been a top earner alongside Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Monaco had planned for Balogun to depart this summer, following three years at the club and after a World Cup in which he scored three goals in four matches. A senior club figure told The Athletic the previous month that they felt Balogun was ready for the next step in his career.
As deadline day progressed, Everton felt there were some early warning signs regarding the Balogun move.
The private jet carrying Balogun from Nice was initially scheduled to leave early on Tuesday morning, but was pushed back and landed at lunchtime instead.
Everton requested GPS data to better understand the player's situation, as is standard practice in such deals. At that point, Everton became aware he had not been training as regularly as they had thought over the summer.
It was around 7pm on Tuesday, the final day of an already manic transfer window, that Monaco were told by Everton of an issue flagged in Balogun's medical, which had the potential to derail the transfer.
Until then, Monaco's stance was that they were happy to sell Balogun, but wanted to keep Senegal international Camara for another season.
Monaco then entered negotiations with Chelsea over the sale of 22-year-old Camara. Just over an hour later, a €55m (£47.2m; £63.7m) deal had been agreed between the two clubs.
The situation also left Everton scrambling for alternatives, with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee — who played in a youth tournament for Everton during a trial — and Tammy Abraham of Aston Villa sounded out as possibilities.
Abraham wanted to stay at Villa, while United rejected the Zirzkee loan proposal as they felt they had insufficient time to line up a replacement.
But then there was a late twist.
Following issues flagged in Balogun's medical, the structure of the deal was amended, meaning Everton would pay less up front but with more performance-based add-ons included. There was no change to the player's personal terms.
With the Balogun deal apparently revived, Monaco informed Chelsea at 11pm that the Camara deal was now off, leaving the London club seething. Monaco's behaviour is viewed at Chelsea as extraordinary and deeply unprofessional.
“The Premier League has a mechanism in which you can request one extra hour to finish the paperwork,” [Monaco president] Scuro explained at the press conference. “This was done. Five minutes to close the transfer window for us to finish all the paperwork between Monaco and Everton and Balogun. I signed the contract, Everton signed the contract.
“At the last moment, the player decided not to sign. And basically, Balogun's allegation is that I'm not feeling well because of the way the club treated me. I'm not feeling well because Everton's medical department raised doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing, so I'm not comfortable to sign a long contract here. And that's the way we finish our transfer window."
For Everton, it marked a sorry end to an underwhelming transfer window — fan favourite Iliman Ndiaye left to join Manchester City, while an angry reaction from supporters prevented homegrown talent Harrison Armstrong from being sold to Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, their decision to post about the ‘Toffee Doughnut' on their X feed at 10:10 pm on deadline day prompted ridicule from their fanbase.
Their owners, The Friedkin Group, which also owns Roma, also had to contend with a busy deadline day in Italy, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini vetoing the sale of key midfielder Manu Kone to Chelsea and Jamie Leweling's move from Stuttgart falling through.
Everton now plan to sign a striker in January, but until then are reliant on Barry, although Tyrique George could be deployed down the middle if required. Brennan Johnson and Tyler Dibling are viewed as other options.
And there you have it, folks. Turns out the cluelessness of our scouts was matched only by the stupidity of selling off Beto on the blithe assumption that this potentially troubled deal would certainly go through.
The only remaining questions appear to be: Who will be held responsible and when? And who will come off the bench to lead the line when Barry gets tired?
Basically it appears Everton were even more incompetent than we thought, and both Balogun and Monaco were at least partly dishonest.
Biggest revelations are that Everton had been pursuing Balogun for months without anybody hearing about it -- and that Balogun had been training irregularly without Everton knowing about it. There was actual GPS data confirming it, although the article doesn't say when Everton received that data. (Balogun had rolled an ankle at the World Cup.)
And it appears that both Balogun's late arrival and Monaco's much-delayed delivery of Balogun's critical medical records may have been an attempt to obscure the issue.
Not revealed is the actual reason Balogun left town, why Monaco was so eager to close the deal after screwing Chelsea out of the Camara sale, exactly why Balogun hasn't even made the bench for Monaco in their first four games, and who was responsible for the farcical lack of due diligence on the part of Everton to ensure the player was fit, which it turns out we could have done days earlier by moving up his medical.
Here's an excerpted version of a very long article, from which I have edited out most of the Chelsea material we don't care about:
When Folarin Balogun landed in a private jet at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Tuesday lunchtime, it appeared his move to Everton was a formality.
The previous evening, Everton had reached an agreement with Monaco to sign the United States striker in a deal worth €45m (£39m, $52m), with €5m add-ons.
All that was left was to iron out the final details and for Balogun to complete his medical. Everton would then have the striker they had craved all summer.
Everton were delighted by the chance to sign Balogun, a player they had feared would be out of reach after his impressive performances at the World Cup.
With Balogun seemingly on the way, Everton were happy to sanction the departure of Beto to Fiorentina in a permanent deal worth €18m.
However, after Balogun touched down in Liverpool, few could have foreseen the extraordinary chain of events that would follow — and ultimately lead to the collapse of Chelsea's deal to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
To tell this story, The Athletic spoke to several people with knowledge of the circumstances around the deals, who spoke anonymously to protect relationships, unless otherwise noted.
There was real excitement at the prospect of signing Balogun, who had been top of their wish list all summer.
Everton had spoken to the player's camp for weeks, but it was only in the final days that it became clear a deal could be done.
Had Balogun joined David Moyes's side, he would have been a top earner alongside Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Monaco had planned for Balogun to depart this summer, following three years at the club and after a World Cup in which he scored three goals in four matches. A senior club figure told The Athletic the previous month that they felt Balogun was ready for the next step in his career.
As deadline day progressed, Everton felt there were some early warning signs regarding the Balogun move.
The private jet carrying Balogun from Nice was initially scheduled to leave early on Tuesday morning, but was pushed back and landed at lunchtime instead.
Everton requested GPS data to better understand the player's situation, as is standard practice in such deals. At that point, Everton became aware he had not been training as regularly as they had thought over the summer.
It was around 7pm on Tuesday, the final day of an already manic transfer window, that Monaco were told by Everton of an issue flagged in Balogun's medical, which had the potential to derail the transfer.
Until then, Monaco's stance was that they were happy to sell Balogun, but wanted to keep Senegal international Camara for another season.
Monaco then entered negotiations with Chelsea over the sale of 22-year-old Camara. Just over an hour later, a €55m (£47.2m; £63.7m) deal had been agreed between the two clubs.
The situation also left Everton scrambling for alternatives, with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee — who played in a youth tournament for Everton during a trial — and Tammy Abraham of Aston Villa sounded out as possibilities.
Abraham wanted to stay at Villa, while United rejected the Zirzkee loan proposal as they felt they had insufficient time to line up a replacement.
But then there was a late twist.
Following issues flagged in Balogun's medical, the structure of the deal was amended, meaning Everton would pay less up front but with more performance-based add-ons included. There was no change to the player's personal terms.
With the Balogun deal apparently revived, Monaco informed Chelsea at 11pm that the Camara deal was now off, leaving the London club seething. Monaco's behaviour is viewed at Chelsea as extraordinary and deeply unprofessional.
“The Premier League has a mechanism in which you can request one extra hour to finish the paperwork,” [Monaco president] Scuro explained at the press conference. “This was done. Five minutes to close the transfer window for us to finish all the paperwork between Monaco and Everton and Balogun. I signed the contract, Everton signed the contract.
“At the last moment, the player decided not to sign. And basically, Balogun's allegation is that I'm not feeling well because of the way the club treated me. I'm not feeling well because Everton's medical department raised doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing, so I'm not comfortable to sign a long contract here. And that's the way we finish our transfer window."
For Everton, it marked a sorry end to an underwhelming transfer window — fan favourite Iliman Ndiaye left to join Manchester City, while an angry reaction from supporters prevented homegrown talent Harrison Armstrong from being sold to Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, their decision to post about the ‘Toffee Doughnut' on their X feed at 10:10 pm on deadline day prompted ridicule from their fanbase.
Their owners, The Friedkin Group, which also owns Roma, also had to contend with a busy deadline day in Italy, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini vetoing the sale of key midfielder Manu Kone to Chelsea and Jamie Leweling's move from Stuttgart falling through.
Everton now plan to sign a striker in January, but until then are reliant on Barry, although Tyrique George could be deployed down the middle if required. Brennan Johnson and Tyler Dibling are viewed as other options.
And there you have it, folks. Turns out the cluelessness of our scouts was matched only by the stupidity of selling off Beto on the blithe assumption that this potentially troubled deal would certainly go through.
The only remaining questions appear to be: Who will be held responsible and when? And who will come off the bench to lead the line when Barry gets tired?
Anthony Dove
98 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:36:48
98 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:36:48
It gets worse.
I see we were looking at the hapless Zirkzee as a replacement.
I see we were looking at the hapless Zirkzee as a replacement.
Paul Hewitt
99 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:48:30
99 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:48:30
What club would sell a striker then try to sign a replacement who was injured and hadn't kicked a ball for 2 months?
Mike Gaynes
100 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:50:03
100 Posted 03/09/2026 at 07:50:03
That's a question I hope Kinnear will answer in his resignation letter.
Brendan McLaughlin
101 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:10:28
101 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:10:28
Thanks for that, Mike #97,
Key sentence for me: "There was no change to the player's personal terms."
So for those defending the player in this debacle... why exactly do you think he felt the need to flounce off?
Can't help but feel that, when he got to Liverpool, the lack of sun and yachts caused the player to have his doubts!
Key sentence for me: "There was no change to the player's personal terms."
So for those defending the player in this debacle... why exactly do you think he felt the need to flounce off?
Can't help but feel that, when he got to Liverpool, the lack of sun and yachts caused the player to have his doubts!
Paul Hewitt
102 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:12:37
102 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:12:37
Brendan. Balogun was probably sat in an office (for hours probably). And seeing reports Everton were trying to sign another striker.
I'd have told them to do one and walked out.
I'd have told them to do one and walked out.
Mike Gaynes
103 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:21:48
103 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:21:48
And in walking out, Balogun seriously derailed his own career.
He was ready for the big move up into the Premier League limelight after becoming a national hero in the World Cup. Instead, he walked away from worldwide TV coverage and huge crowds to return to a club where he is now third choice striker playing in a half-empty stadium (Monaco doesn't draw flies) in a league that nobody gives a shit about in his home country. His new American fans couldn't name three clubs besides PSG in Ligue 1.
He has absolutely screwed himself with his little tantrum. I can't imagine how many US endorsements he has blown with his return to obscurity on the Riviera.
He was ready for the big move up into the Premier League limelight after becoming a national hero in the World Cup. Instead, he walked away from worldwide TV coverage and huge crowds to return to a club where he is now third choice striker playing in a half-empty stadium (Monaco doesn't draw flies) in a league that nobody gives a shit about in his home country. His new American fans couldn't name three clubs besides PSG in Ligue 1.
He has absolutely screwed himself with his little tantrum. I can't imagine how many US endorsements he has blown with his return to obscurity on the Riviera.
Benjamin Dyke
104 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:23:20
104 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:23:20
Balogun doesn't come out of this smelling of roses either.
It's one thing saying "I'm fit and there's no problem with my body," and another thing letting a club that are buying you for £50M prove it!
He may well have been an upgrade on Beto but he comes off as a bit of a plonker from this.
It's one thing saying "I'm fit and there's no problem with my body," and another thing letting a club that are buying you for £50M prove it!
He may well have been an upgrade on Beto but he comes off as a bit of a plonker from this.
Andy Mead
105 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:25:56
105 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:25:56
So until the last minute, we didn't realise he hadn't been training? If he had already been set up to come to us, why on earth leave it to the last minute?
Maybe Everton already knew about the injury and thought a bit of last-minute blackmail would save a few quid? Never expecting the player to say "Bollocks to this!"
Looks bad on everybody. Amateur hour all round.
Maybe Everton already knew about the injury and thought a bit of last-minute blackmail would save a few quid? Never expecting the player to say "Bollocks to this!"
Looks bad on everybody. Amateur hour all round.
Brendan McLaughlin
106 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:27:03
106 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:27:03
Seriously Paul #102
That's the best you can offer?
I really doubt the guy was left sitting on a hard chair in some dimly lit office with no window and no water whilst Everton thrashed out the final details with Monaco.
That's the best you can offer?
I really doubt the guy was left sitting on a hard chair in some dimly lit office with no window and no water whilst Everton thrashed out the final details with Monaco.
Paul Hewitt
107 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:28:59
107 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:28:59
Everton should have said "You have failed the medical, sorry, we won't be proceeding" and looked for someone else.
They didn't, they still wanted to sign him. Says to me he was fit and we wanted to save a few quid.
They didn't, they still wanted to sign him. Says to me he was fit and we wanted to save a few quid.
Mike Gaynes
108 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:33:27
108 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:33:27
Right, Paul, he was fit.
That's why he hasn't even made the bench in Monaco's first four games despite scoring 19 goals last season.
That's why he hasn't even made the bench in Monaco's first four games despite scoring 19 goals last season.
Paul Hewitt
109 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:42:32
109 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:42:32
Why didn't we just walk away then if he wasn't fit?
Why did we still try to sign him?
Why did we still try to sign him?
Brendan McLaughlin
110 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:43:00
110 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:43:00
Paul #107,
Even Monaco have admitted the player is carrying an injury and according to them, the player himself acknowledged that fact.
Even Monaco have admitted the player is carrying an injury and according to them, the player himself acknowledged that fact.
Paul Hewitt
111 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:52:11
111 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:52:11
So again, Brendan...
We did we try to sign him?
We did we try to sign him?
David West
112 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:56:25
112 Posted 03/09/2026 at 08:56:25
All irrelevant. It's Everton's responsibility to get their business done, blame Monaco, blame Balogun, blame doctors, blame planes, trains & automobiles.
This kind of shenanigans happens, it's their own fault for leaving it so late. It's a joke, blaming everyone because we didn't do our business.
It's no one's responsibility but Everton's!
This kind of shenanigans happens, it's their own fault for leaving it so late. It's a joke, blaming everyone because we didn't do our business.
It's no one's responsibility but Everton's!
Nigel Scowen
113 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:06:02
113 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:06:02
Someone's head needs to roll over this whole transfer window mess and let's face it, Kinnear, it's you.
Having said that, and as an aside, the more I read about this, the more I actually think we may have dodged a bullet with this guy. All this ‘I'm not feeling the love' shit suggests to me he's a little bit precious.
I think all this Trump nonsense may have gone to his head a little bit. Man up, Balogun! Everton have every right to question your medical status. Imagine the uproar if he had turned into a £40M flop and no one had said anything at the time.
Also, I read somewhere, may have even been here, where one of his coaches said he liked the way Balogun used to come out with suggestions as to the best way to use him and tactics etc... I could see that going down like a lead balloon with David Moyes's style of Management.
I repeat, none of this takes away from Everton's incompetence during this window on a number of fronts but I'm just not thinking Balogun would have fitted anyway.
Kinnear needs to go; otherwise, TFG will have no credibility remaining at all.
Having said that, and as an aside, the more I read about this, the more I actually think we may have dodged a bullet with this guy. All this ‘I'm not feeling the love' shit suggests to me he's a little bit precious.
I think all this Trump nonsense may have gone to his head a little bit. Man up, Balogun! Everton have every right to question your medical status. Imagine the uproar if he had turned into a £40M flop and no one had said anything at the time.
Also, I read somewhere, may have even been here, where one of his coaches said he liked the way Balogun used to come out with suggestions as to the best way to use him and tactics etc... I could see that going down like a lead balloon with David Moyes's style of Management.
I repeat, none of this takes away from Everton's incompetence during this window on a number of fronts but I'm just not thinking Balogun would have fitted anyway.
Kinnear needs to go; otherwise, TFG will have no credibility remaining at all.
Eric Myles
114 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:08:33
114 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:08:33
Mike #97 "There was real excitement at the prospect of signing Balogun, who had been top of their wish list all summer."
All summer was 2 fucking months. This deal should have been sorted much earlier than last day.
All summer was 2 fucking months. This deal should have been sorted much earlier than last day.
Nigel Scowen
115 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:09:57
115 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:09:57
Paul @109
Obviously the guy wasn't fit, Paul.
The reason we didn't walk away at this point is one of the reasons why Kinnear needs to go.
Obviously the guy wasn't fit, Paul.
The reason we didn't walk away at this point is one of the reasons why Kinnear needs to go.
Eric Myles
116 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:12:36
116 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:12:36
Ian #113 "Imagine the uproar if he had turned into a £40 million flop and no one had said anything at the time."
Remind you of someone??
Hint: we signed him last summer.
Remind you of someone??
Hint: we signed him last summer.
Nigel Scowen
117 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:18:41
117 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:18:41
I take it that was for me, Eric, though I do prefer Ian as it happens.
Exactly right, it's a lot of money to be taking a chance on a signing -- especially if we find out they are carrying an injury. Monaco and Balogun have been less than forthcoming on this, in my opinion.
My gripe is why this was all left to 10 pm and why we sold Beto beforehand. That's why Kinnear needs to go.
I'm just glad we swapped McNeil for Johnson.
Exactly right, it's a lot of money to be taking a chance on a signing -- especially if we find out they are carrying an injury. Monaco and Balogun have been less than forthcoming on this, in my opinion.
My gripe is why this was all left to 10 pm and why we sold Beto beforehand. That's why Kinnear needs to go.
I'm just glad we swapped McNeil for Johnson.
John Collins
118 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:32:23
118 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:32:23
A player hasn't made the squad in the last 4 games and a club is shocked and surprised he is injured?
We should have got Sherlock on the job.
We should have got Sherlock on the job.
Raymond Fox
119 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:33:35
119 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:33:35
There's nobody said a word from the club yet-at least I haven't seen any- about the window debacle.
We don't even know what the process for signing a player is. Who decides are they worth signing, how much to pay, can we afford them ex cetera, is it such a big deal to tell us
We would know who to pin the blame on then, as it is, is it the owner calling all the shots money wise, does Moyes have much of a say in the matter, is it all down to Kinnear whatever, talk about being taken for granted as fans.
We don't even know what the process for signing a player is. Who decides are they worth signing, how much to pay, can we afford them ex cetera, is it such a big deal to tell us
We would know who to pin the blame on then, as it is, is it the owner calling all the shots money wise, does Moyes have much of a say in the matter, is it all down to Kinnear whatever, talk about being taken for granted as fans.
Michael Kenrick
120 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:36:09
120 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:36:09
I'm sorry, Nigel, but Beto was just a fucking embarrassment as an Everton player. A complete and utter joke.
The best thing Kinnear did (if it indeed was he) during this transfer window was to steal £15M for the galumpung galloot of an imposter we had as our centre-forward.
To maintain, as both you, Mike and others do, that somehow this is a sacking offence, is just plain ridiculous nonsense. Give it a rest, please!
The best thing Kinnear did (if it indeed was he) during this transfer window was to steal £15M for the galumpung galloot of an imposter we had as our centre-forward.
To maintain, as both you, Mike and others do, that somehow this is a sacking offence, is just plain ridiculous nonsense. Give it a rest, please!
Andy Morris
121 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:51:35
121 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:51:35
Apparently we're not even looking at a back up in the free transfer market.
If Barry gets injured which is highly likely at some point then George is pretty much all we have..and relegation scrap here we come.
We should have just taken the risk and got him on the books instead of arguing over the finer points of his medical, even if he was out for a month or two at least we'd have him for most of the season rather than relying on the shit show in January to miraculously discover a gem who wants to be at Everton and then try to save the season.
If Barry gets injured which is highly likely at some point then George is pretty much all we have..and relegation scrap here we come.
We should have just taken the risk and got him on the books instead of arguing over the finer points of his medical, even if he was out for a month or two at least we'd have him for most of the season rather than relying on the shit show in January to miraculously discover a gem who wants to be at Everton and then try to save the season.
Mark Ryan
122 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:58:00
122 Posted 03/09/2026 at 09:58:00
Michael @ 120 I completely agree. It was astonishing anyone bought him
Mark Ryan
123 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:03:25
123 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:03:25
We dodged a bullet and it was right not ti sign him. Monaco were trying to offload him and we nearly helped them. I'm glad we didn't sign him. Another mistake though by our scouts and transfer team. Needs a proper detailed review internally and we'd like some clarity
Rob Halligan
124 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:12:31
124 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:12:31
Paul Hewitt ….various…….you don't half talk a bag of shite!
Mark Taylor
125 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:30:03
125 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:30:03
Michael
I wouldn't argue with you that in most cases getting any money in for Beto is decent business. But maybe not when you have no other back up at striker. Beto may be pretty rubbish (he is) but at least he plays in that position and can share the load a bit. I don't think I've ever seen Barry last out a full game, he seems to tire or get cramp.
What perplexes me is that the injury situation must surely have been known about over summer. You don't need to spy on the training ground, just that he wasn't involved in the pre season matches. At the very minimum, you would have thought that would lead to a deal restructuring that was perhaps closer to that which the clubs were desperately trying to negotiate on the evening of the deadline day. And maybe to have already sounded out possible alternatives so you don't just get immediately rebuffed.
The even bigger issue for me was Moyes calling for major incomings a week or so earlier as he felt the squad was very light. From that point, we brought in 2 and lost 5. Even had Balogun's deal gone through it would have been a net loss of two. Yes I know the outgoings were not much good but I doubt Moyes will be feeling he got the support he needed in the market.
I wouldn't argue with you that in most cases getting any money in for Beto is decent business. But maybe not when you have no other back up at striker. Beto may be pretty rubbish (he is) but at least he plays in that position and can share the load a bit. I don't think I've ever seen Barry last out a full game, he seems to tire or get cramp.
What perplexes me is that the injury situation must surely have been known about over summer. You don't need to spy on the training ground, just that he wasn't involved in the pre season matches. At the very minimum, you would have thought that would lead to a deal restructuring that was perhaps closer to that which the clubs were desperately trying to negotiate on the evening of the deadline day. And maybe to have already sounded out possible alternatives so you don't just get immediately rebuffed.
The even bigger issue for me was Moyes calling for major incomings a week or so earlier as he felt the squad was very light. From that point, we brought in 2 and lost 5. Even had Balogun's deal gone through it would have been a net loss of two. Yes I know the outgoings were not much good but I doubt Moyes will be feeling he got the support he needed in the market.
Brian Harrison
126 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:31:02
126 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:31:02
Mike Gaynes
You quite rightly like the rest of us are calling for Kinnear to be sacked or resign, but he was put there by the Friedkin's to carry out their plans. I don't believe for one minute that Friedkin wasnt fully aware of the sale of Harrison Armstrong or the potential sale of Ndaiye, Beto and Iroegbunam, but any business man knows to get the players in you need before you sell.
These owners have no interest in getting this club back to competing at the top end. They have bought a stadium with a football club attatched so they plan to maximise the revenue streams form non footballing events which was their plan all along. This has nothing to do with staying inside the fiscal rules as they had plenty of headroom.
Mike don't you think the fans at both Roma and Everton can see through these charlitans just you who have difficulty with that concept.
You quite rightly like the rest of us are calling for Kinnear to be sacked or resign, but he was put there by the Friedkin's to carry out their plans. I don't believe for one minute that Friedkin wasnt fully aware of the sale of Harrison Armstrong or the potential sale of Ndaiye, Beto and Iroegbunam, but any business man knows to get the players in you need before you sell.
These owners have no interest in getting this club back to competing at the top end. They have bought a stadium with a football club attatched so they plan to maximise the revenue streams form non footballing events which was their plan all along. This has nothing to do with staying inside the fiscal rules as they had plenty of headroom.
Mike don't you think the fans at both Roma and Everton can see through these charlitans just you who have difficulty with that concept.
Andy Morris
127 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:39:02
127 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:39:02
# Mark123
I'm all for silver linings but I don't agree that we were right not to sign him. At that point it became more a question of need than want, with zero other options we needed to sign him.
A squad with one recognised striker is not a solution.
I'm all for silver linings but I don't agree that we were right not to sign him. At that point it became more a question of need than want, with zero other options we needed to sign him.
A squad with one recognised striker is not a solution.
Sean Kearns
128 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:48:05
128 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:48:05
Mike #103: his home country is England.. he was born in the US while his parents were on holiday and only lived there for a month. He’s a cockney and represented us until U-21 level
Steve Brown
129 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:54:15
129 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:54:15
Everybody but everybody wanted to sell Beto, but completing the deal before the Balogun signing was over the line was 100% stupidity.
Eric Myles
130 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:50:30
130 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:50:30
MK #120, to be fair to those posters you lambast they are saying it's criminal to sell Beto without a replacement.
I'm sure they agree he had to go, even though he was 50% of our leading goalscoring #9 position last season.
And surely you'd agree that leaving us with only one striker (not to mentionone left back and one right back) is criminal negligence.
I'm sure they agree he had to go, even though he was 50% of our leading goalscoring #9 position last season.
And surely you'd agree that leaving us with only one striker (not to mentionone left back and one right back) is criminal negligence.
David West
131 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:22:25
131 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:22:25
How many people on here last season when Beto was falling over his own feet in front of goal, would have swapped him for Johnson?
Anyone's better than beto were the cries !!
We didn't get another CF but is beto a miss ?
I'm not so sure we will suffer without him, barry was clearly going to be the 1st choice.
Of course not getting an improvement on beto is criminal, but if we are in trouble because we have lost beto, the man with the worst first touch in the PL, the man who other teams laugh at, then it's worse than I thought !
Anyone's better than beto were the cries !!
We didn't get another CF but is beto a miss ?
I'm not so sure we will suffer without him, barry was clearly going to be the 1st choice.
Of course not getting an improvement on beto is criminal, but if we are in trouble because we have lost beto, the man with the worst first touch in the PL, the man who other teams laugh at, then it's worse than I thought !
Nigel Scowen
132 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:37:30
132 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:37:30
Eric@130
100% on the money mate.
If you work on the basis of 2 players for each outfield position then before the window we were short in one position, right back, now we are short in 3.
Yes, Beto is not good enough and needed to go but only after a replacement had been confirmed, exactly as Fulham did with Tete. I also have doubts about Barry too so maybe in Michael Kendricks world we should have sold both of them.
100% on the money mate.
If you work on the basis of 2 players for each outfield position then before the window we were short in one position, right back, now we are short in 3.
Yes, Beto is not good enough and needed to go but only after a replacement had been confirmed, exactly as Fulham did with Tete. I also have doubts about Barry too so maybe in Michael Kendricks world we should have sold both of them.
Eric Myles
133 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:08:12
133 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:08:12
Put it another way David #131.
Beto was our top goalscorer last season.
And we sold him.
Without a replacement.
Sounds even more criminal now doesn't it?
Beto was our top goalscorer last season.
And we sold him.
Without a replacement.
Sounds even more criminal now doesn't it?
Christy Ring
134 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:26:43
134 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:26:43
As others have said, if we were watching Balogun for months, why the f..k did we wait until deadline day to sign him, total incompetence, and for Balogun to be there for 10hrs, and questioned about his fitness, and being able to see on his phone, we were trying to buy another striker, wouldn't blame him for walking.
Mike Gaynes, Guilia Bould is reporting TFG are looking to sell big shares in EFC, that tells us a different story, and it was Sky Sports who said all along, Ndiaye & Richarlison were two separate deals.
Mike Gaynes, Guilia Bould is reporting TFG are looking to sell big shares in EFC, that tells us a different story, and it was Sky Sports who said all along, Ndiaye & Richarlison were two separate deals.
Kevin Molloy
135 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:35:54
135 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:35:54
I don't think we were watching him for months Christy. I think the only reason we went in heavy for him was cos we had a list of distressed clubs who were going to be forced to sell their assets cheaply at the end of the window, and he was on that list. Our heroes love a bargain, after all.
Steve Brown
136 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:48:08
136 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:48:08
Christy, it is amazing that some posters are still trying potray the transfer disasterclass as not being the responsibility of TFG.
Mike Gaynes
137 Posted 03/09/2026 at 17:21:46
137 Posted 03/09/2026 at 17:21:46
Michael, leaving us with one senior striker is a crippler to our Europe and Cup run hopes. Absolute management malpractice. If you can't see that as a sacking offense, then it's your head that needs the wobble, not mine.
As for Beto himself, a striker's job isn't to look graceful. It's to score goals. Beto did that, at a slightly better-than-average rate. And at a massively higher rate than the striker we brought in to replace him. Nobody.
As for Beto himself, a striker's job isn't to look graceful. It's to score goals. Beto did that, at a slightly better-than-average rate. And at a massively higher rate than the striker we brought in to replace him. Nobody.
Ian Bennett
138 Posted 03/09/2026 at 17:23:24
138 Posted 03/09/2026 at 17:23:24
Yep
Si Cooper
139 Posted 04/09/2026 at 05:18:17
139 Posted 04/09/2026 at 05:18:17
Far too many people rushing to judge Balogun from what I can see.
Only time will tell whether he has actually shot himself in the (already injured) foot by pulling out of this transfer.
People should understand that money and ‘prestige’ are not everyone’s prime motivation.
Only time will tell whether he has actually shot himself in the (already injured) foot by pulling out of this transfer.
People should understand that money and ‘prestige’ are not everyone’s prime motivation.
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1 Posted 02/09/2026 at 14:59:04
We clearly were getting desperate to leave this until the last day. We are amateurs and whoever oversees our transfers should have a good look at what went wrong and learn from this or get another job.