Monaco Squad Omission
Folarin Balogun Omitted From Monaco Squad Amid Failed Transfer Uncertainty
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Key Points
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Monaco manager Filipe Luís cited a fitness issue before the PSG match but could not provide a timetable for Balogun’s return. In his absence, the club’s senior attacking options include Matthis Abline, Paris Brunner and Mika Biereth.
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Monaco’s Conference League league phase begins on October 15, while the Saudi Pro League transfer window is scheduled to remain open until October 12, leaving a short potential window for a move after Balogun’s omission from the European squad.
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Takumi Minamino was included in Monaco’s European squad and returned to the team after eight months out with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that also kept him out of the World Cup.
Folarin Balogun has been left out of Monaco's UEFA Conference League squad and will miss Friday's Ligue 1 match at Paris Saint-Germain, according to WTOP News. The U.S. striker returned to group training this week but remains sidelined after his proposed £40 million move to Everton collapsed on transfer deadline day.
Monaco's sporting director Thiago Scuro said Balogun withdrew from the deal after Everton raised fitness concerns during his medical exam, according to The Sun. The club faces financial pressure to sell players, and Balogun could still move to Saudi Arabia before that league's transfer window closes on October 12.
Manager Cites Fitness Issue With No Clear Timeline
Monaco manager Filipe Luís blamed a fitness problem for Balogun's exclusion but declined to say when the striker might return, according to Goner Daily. Without Balogun, Monaco's attacking lineup relies on Matthis Abline, Paris Brunner, and Mika Biereth — a significant drop in experience and proven quality for the French club.
Everton Medical Raised Doubts About Striker's Health
The Everton deal unraveled when the English club's medical team flagged concerns about Balogun's fitness during examination, per The Sun. Everton had offered £40 million, but Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro said Balogun chose to step back from the transfer rather than proceed through the process.
Saudi Window Closes Before European Competition Starts
Balogun's omission from the Conference League squad opens a potential exit via Saudi Arabia, where the transfer window closes October 12, according to AS. Monaco's European campaign begins October 15, creating a brief window for the club to move the striker before European commitments lock in his status.
Minamino Returns After Eight-Month Injury Absence
In contrast to Balogun's sidelining, Takumi Minamino was included in Monaco's Conference League squad after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, according to Goner Daily. The injury had sidelined Minamino for eight months and cost him a World Cup appearance, but he is now ready to contribute to Monaco's European run.
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