Balogun turns down Everton over treatment concerns in dramatic deadline collapse

That is according to Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro, who gave a remarkably blunt account of how the deal fell apart at the final moment.

Balogun had already undergone a medical in England, and despite some concerns emerging from Everton's side over his physical condition, the club eventually decided to press on after discussions between the 2 medical departments.

The move had gone a long way but even then, it still died.

"Five minutes before the transfer window closed in England, I had signed the contract and Everton had also signed the contract," Scuro told reporters. "At the last minute, the player decided not to sign."

Scuro then explained the reason in much more detail.

"Basically, Balogun's allegation was: 'I do not feel good about the way the club treated me. I do not feel good about the way Everton's medical department made me doubt my future or my health. I have nothing, so I am not comfortable signing a long-term contract here'."

Some reports had suggested Everton also tried to renegotiate the fee for the 25-year-old, but Scuro did not mention any such discussion when explaining the breakdown.

Balogun had emerged late as an Everton target after Beto completed a move to Fiorentina, leaving the club short of attacking depth and scrambling for a solution before the window closed.

Everton did at least manage to bring Jack Grealish back on loan from Manchester City for a 2nd straight season, and they also signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, but the failure to land a striker of Balogun's profile is still a major blow.

The background around the player has not exactly been quiet either.

Balogun had drawn major attention during the World Cup, first because of his performances, then because of the controversy surrounding his suspension after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32. That ban was later wiped out after Donald Trump intervened successfully to pressure FIFA into suspending it, allowing Balogun to face Belgium in the round of 16.

The United States lost that match 4-1, and Balogun later admitted the entire controversy had affected the team.

Monaco had budgeted for his sale, so his decision to stay has put the French club in an awkward financial position. They had even discussed selling Lamine Camara to Chelsea if the Balogun transfer failed, but pulled back from that plan because they believed the striker was on his way out.

Scuro said other markets remain open and that Monaco are still in talks with different partners, including with Balogun's future in mind.

"We still have other markets open and we are discussing with several different partners, including Balo," he said. "Let us see what can happen until Thursday, because there are still markets with the financial capacity to make some moves."

So Everton are out but Balogun's summer may not be finished yet.