Everton’s Failed Striker Signing Draws Juventus Interest: Should Moyes Go Again?

Everton’s Failed Striker Signing Draws Juventus Interest: Should Moyes Go Again? Deadline day came and went, and Everton fans were left staring at their phones. Sport Witness had tracked the story for weeks. Folarin Balogun pushed for Merseyside, Monaco and the Toffees agreed a fee, and the medical went ahead. Then it all collapsed. Why did the deal fall through? Versions differ. One says the American striker felt unhappy with how David Moyes’ side handled his medical. Whatever the truth, he stayed in France, and life there hasn’t been kind since. Juventus see an opening TuttoSport reports that Juventus want to pounce on the mess. Balogun, 25, has played under 45 minutes in all competitions this season, and Monaco left him out of their Conference League squad. The paper calls the summer saga a medical scandal and says things have come to a head, so a January exit looks likely. Weston McKennie, his compatriot, could help persuade him. Luciano Spalletti’s side may even pay less than Everton agreed, because Monaco want him gone. What has Balogun done so far? Plenty. The ex-Arsenal man scored 21 league goals for Reims on loan in 2022/23 and 13 in Ligue 1 last season. Across his career, he has 58 goals in 163 appearances. Should Everton go back for Balogun in January? SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) Yes, but only on Moyes’ terms. Everton chased Balogun because Moyes wants a striker who scores in a team that doesn’t create endless chances. At 25, with 58 career goals and 13 Ligue 1 strikes last season, he suits that job. His Reims record proves he finishes when service is thin, and Moyes sides often live on thin service. The medical row is the real worry. Moyes values a settled dressing room, and he won’t want a striker who arrives carrying a grudge. Before anything restarts, he needs a straight conversation with Balogun himself, face to face, with no middlemen. Money matters too. Monaco look desperate, so the price should fall below the fee agreed in summer. Juventus see that as well, and they have McKennie as an unofficial recruiter. Everton must move quickly, because January rewards the first club to pick up the phone. Still, Moyes shouldn’t panic. If Balogun wants Merseyside, great. If he doesn’t, forcing it makes no sense. A striker who doesn’t want to be there hurts a team more than an empty shirt does.