Why did Folarin Balogun’s fail Everton physical? Should USMNT fans be worried?

The European transfer deadline drama was among the craziest in recent memory, even by transfer day standards. One of the highlights of that drama involved USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. It looked as if the Monaco striker was set to join Premier League side Everton. However, we now know that a failed physical tanked the deal. When Everton tried to renegotiate after the physical, Balogun walked away.

Among the questions was why Balogun failed his physical. How could a player fresh off an impressive World Cup performance over the summer, who’s approaching the prime of his career, fail a physical? Could this have short-term or long-term ramifications for his USMNT career?

The failed physical

Balogun and Monaco claimed that he was fit. But Everton’s medical staff thought differently. The Premier League club’s medical staff were concerned about an injury that Balogun had picked up during the World Cup. The USMNT never disclosed the injury, which didn’t cause Balogun to miss any games. Of course, between that apparent knock and the minutes logged over the summer, Balogun got a late start to his preseason, which is why he hasn’t featured for Monaco early in the Ligue 1 season or in their Europa League qualifying games. 

Between the injury detected on the physical and his lack of playing time during the preseason, Everton’s doctors believed that Balogun wasn’t as fit as they expected. With Beto leaving the club for Fiorentina, as well as Iliman Ndiaye leaving for Manchester City, the Toffees needed Balogun to step in right away and play. But the physical revealed, at least in the opinion of Everton’s medical staff, that Balogun wasn’t fit enough for that.

Should USMNT be concerned with Balogun?

Anytime a transfer falls through because of a failed physical, there is at least some reason to be concerned. It’s a rare occurrence to see a medical report completely derail a transfer. The fact that Balogun hasn’t featured for Monaco this season is also a little concerning. Virtually every other USMNT player who competed in the World Cup was able to participate in at least part of their club’s preseason and has returned to the field for the start of the new season. The obvious exception is Christian Pulisic, but that’s a whole other issue.

Of course, Balogun carrying a knock coming out of the World Cup explains why Monaco has allowed him to take more time. Also, the fact that Everton was attempting to renegotiate the transfer at a different price means they don't believe Balogun has a long-term issue. In that sense, this is a small red flag for USMNT fans, who can wait and see what happens rather than reach for the panic button.

What’s next for Balogun with Monaco and USMNT?

For now, Balogun is staying with Monaco. Unless a team in a league that has a later transfer window deadline comes calling, he’ll remain with the French side until at least January. At that point, Monaco and Balogun will be able to reassess the options for his future. It would be great to see the American striker take a step up the ladder, which is why it’s disappointing not to see him end up with a Premier League club.

As for his immediate USMNT future, questions about Balogun’s health raised during the attempted transfer to Everton could rule him out of the next international window. With Mauricio Pochettino’s side set to play four friendly matches, it’s not the worst thing in the world if Balogun isn’t included in the squad if there is the slightest injury concern. But if there isn’t clarity on the situation with Balogun’s health by November, when the USMNT will play competitive matches in the Nations League, we might have a problem.

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