AS Monaco have omitted American striker Folarin Balogun from their squad for the UEFA Conference League, just days after his proposed transfer to Everton collapsed at the last minute.
Balogun has returned to group training with Monaco but has yet to feature in any of the club’s four matches this season. He was also left out of the squad for Friday’s French Ligue 1 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old striker had been on the verge of joining Everton for a reported $54 million on Tuesday, the final day of the summer transfer window for most major European leagues.
However, the move broke down at the last minute after Balogun reportedly became uncomfortable with concerns raised by Everton over his medical condition.
Monaco are under financial pressure to sell one of their leading players as the club seeks to comply with French football’s financial regulations.
Despite the failed Everton transfer, Monaco have indicated that Balogun could still leave the club for a league whose transfer window remains open.
Saudi Arabia is among the potential destinations, with its transfer window scheduled to remain open until October 12.
However, Balogun has now been left out of Monaco’s squad for the Conference League. His name was missing from the squad list submitted by the French club and published by UEFA on Thursday.
Monaco’s Conference League league-phase campaign begins on October 15.
Meanwhile, Japan international Takumi Minamino was included in the European squad after returning from an eight-month absence caused by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The injury also forced Minamino to miss the World Cup.
The midfielder is also part of Monaco’s squad for the trip to PSG, meaning Balogun will miss another important fixture as uncertainty continues over his future at the club.
