Erik Lira's move to AS Monaco from Cruz Azul collapsed on the 11th hour after the French club failed to free up a non-EU spot to register the Mexican midfielder.
Lira was set to fill the spot of Folarin Balogun at Monaco but the United States striker's proposed transfer to Everton collapsed late on Tuesday night ahead of the deadline in France.
Sources told ESPN that Balogun walked away from the deal and left Everton's training ground after both clubs had renegotiated terms of his contract due to concerns over the player's medical.
Lira, who shone for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, had attracted interest from other clubs in Europe, including Sunderland, but had given priority to Monaco.
"It was a promise we made to Erik that we would support him if an offer came in from Europe," Cruz Azul president Víctor Velázquez recently said.
"It was his dream to play in Europe."
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Cruz Azul are working against the clock to find another option for Lira, who has offers from Russian clubs.
