'Baffling set of events' - Balogun timeline
· Yahoo Sports
It was a deadline day that was as intriguing as it was infuriating at Everton but why did Folarin Balogun walk away from a deal at the final moment?
The Toffees had expected the forward to arrive on a plane due to leave Nice at 07:00 BST but there were eyebrows raised when he didn't get that flight and he was late getting into Liverpool.
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By the time the USA star did land on UK soil it was after 13:00 BST so he was immediately taken to a medical centre for scans and tests. That takes about four hours to complete and, running behind time, Balogun was then whisked to the Finch Farm training ground for the final tests needed.
It has been well reported that something was flagged up in the medical that would affect Balogun's long-term availability and I also understand the feeling among Everton's specialists is that this issue wouldn't have been a surprise to Monaco or the player himself.
With the clock ticking, and Beto already leaving for Fiorentina, Everton were willing to proceed with a revised deal that finically reflected what would be limited appearances for the 25-year-old.
At this stage my understanding is Monaco were sluggish getting the revised paperwork back but eventually everyone approved a deal sheet.
With that signed by Everton, Monaco and the player then had a short window of time after the 23:00 BST deadline to complete the contract. Just before midnight Balogun, who had been at Finch Farm for several hours, decided he had changed his mind and left.
It is a baffling set of events that has left Everton with just one striker in Thierno Barry. I understand the club's hierarchy are disappointed and dismayed by the situation. The Beto deal was pushed through because the Italian window shut four hours earlier. You wonder if that hadn't been the case, would his move have been halted?
As for right now, I have been told the back-up striker will be Tyrique George. He's played on the left wing so far but has played up front while coming up through the ranks at Chelsea.
Brennan Johnson is also known to have played as a striker and gives David Moyes another option.
It also leaves Everton with just 18 outfield players now. Christian Norgaard is already injured and this will now be a delicate balancing act for the manager after what was an astounding deadline day in the club's history.
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