04/09/2026
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has detailed the chaotic deadline‑day chain of events that led to both Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton and Lamine Camara’s move to Chelsea collapsing.
🗣️ “Around 4 p.m., Chelsea contacted us after selling a player in that position (Enzo Fernández). They asked if we’d consider selling Lamine. The answer was no.”
“At that moment, Balogun was in Liverpool doing his medical. Everything was fine. Around 7 p.m., Everton raised doubts about the medical — doubts that made no sense to our medical staff or the player’s own doctors.”
“Within half an hour, it was already in the media that Balogun had failed his medical. Chelsea saw an opportunity: ‘Monaco needs money, Balogun is struggling, let’s try.’ It’s part of the game.”
“By 8 p.m., we started negotiating with Chelsea. I informed the player and his agent directly. Meanwhile, the medical discussion with Everton continued.”
“Around 10 p.m., Everton realised there was no issue and said, ‘We’re ready to sign.’ So we told Chelsea there was no longer a deal to be made.”
Monaco then completed the paperwork with Everton until the final twist.
🗣️ “I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player decided not to sign.”
“Balogun said he didn’t feel comfortable because Everton’s medical department had raised doubts about his future and health. He said he wasn’t comfortable signing a long contract. And that’s how our window ended.”
Scuro added that Camara, who initially wanted to stay, became excited by Chelsea’s interest.
🗣️ “He got excited by conversations with the coach and everything Chelsea can offer. He asked us to try to find a solution for him to leave.”
“We explained our reasons. We’ll keep working with him, knowing his mentality, he’ll be full power in the next game. Better things will come. This isn’t the end of the world. It was just one possibility, and I’m confident he’ll soon have even better offers.”
(via Plaantik)