Everton are in discussions with AS Monaco over a potential transfer for United States striker Folarin Balogun. The news, reported by The Athletic on Monday, comes as the Toffees look to bolster their forward line in the final hours of the summer window.
David Moyes's side currently sit 6th in the Premier League with four points from their opening two matches. They have scored three goals and conceded just one, leaving them two points behind early leaders Manchester City. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Manchester United on September 6th, a match you can preview on our fixtures page.
Who is Folarin Balogun?
Folarin Balogun is a 25-year-old forward born in Brooklyn, New York. He moved to England as a child and joined Arsenal's academy at the age of eight. Balogun made ten senior appearances for the Gunners before securing a high-profile move to Monaco in 2023 for a fee reported to be €30 million, with potential add-ons of €10 million. Since joining the French club, he has scored 31 goals in 91 appearances across all competitions. On the international stage, Balogun has represented the United States men's national team, scoring three goals in four appearances at the 2026 World Cup.
Why are Everton targeting a striker?
Everton's pursuit of Balogun is driven by a reshaping of their attacking options. The club has already completed the signing of Brennan Johnson and promoted young talent Tyrique George this summer. They have also reached an agreement to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur. Concurrently, forward Iliman Ndiaye is set to move to Tottenham. The most immediate departure is that of striker Beto, who is 28 and scheduled to undergo a medical at Fiorentina on Monday. This leaves Thierno Barry as the only other senior recognised striker in the squad, creating a clear need for a proven goalscorer.
What is the current state of the squad?
Manager David Moyes is overseeing significant activity. Beyond the forward line, the club recently completed the £40 million sale of Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest. There have also been reports of potential interest in a loan move for Manchester City's Jack Grealish. The squad's depth is currently tested by the absence of midfielder Christian Nørgaard, who is sidelined. Fans can track the full availability on our injuries page. The team's solid defensive start, with a +2 goal difference, provides a platform, but adding firepower is seen as important for maintaining their early top-six position, which you can follow on our standings page.
What happens next in the transfer window?
The deal for Balogun is not yet finalized. The player has two years remaining on his contract with Monaco, which gives the French club a strong negotiating position. Everton must reach an agreement on a transfer fee and personal terms with the player in a very short timeframe. Patrick Boyland of The Athletic said: "Strap yourselves in for a chaotic last 48 hours." This comment underscores the frantic nature of deadline day, where multiple moving parts must align. Securing Balogun would represent a major coup for Everton, adding a dynamic, internationally proven striker to their ranks as they prepare for the challenges of the season ahead.
