Folarin Balogun is being linked with a transfer to Everton as the Premier League club seeks to strengthen its attack under David Moyes. The USMNT striker, who scored 19 goals in all competitions for AS Monaco in the 2025-26 season and was named the club's player of the season, has emerged as a potential target for the Toffees.
Everton have not played a European game since 2018 and currently sit 7th in the Premier League with 4 points from two games, boasting a goal difference of +2 after scoring three and conceding one. They are just two points behind league leaders Manchester City and prepare to host Manchester United on 2026-09-06, a fixture that could shape their early-season momentum.
David Moyes demands a striker capable of holding up play, running channels, and finishing in the box-traits Balogun has demonstrated at both club and international level. The American international also scored three goals at the World Cup this summer, adding to his growing reputation as a versatile forward comfortable in high-pressure environments.
Comparisons with current Everton options highlight Balogun’s potential impact. While Thierno Barry averaged slightly more goals per 90 minutes over the past year, Balogun records a higher non-penalty expected goals rate and takes significantly more shots, indicating greater offensive volume and creation. His direct style aligns with Moyes’ preference for aggressive, forward-thinking strikers.
The broader context of English football strength supports the move’s logic. Since 2010, if an English team has not won the Champions League, then Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the trophy. Opta ranks nine of the Premier League’s top 15 teams among the best in Europe, and the lower-tier European competitions have increasingly become the domain of English clubs-evidenced by recent Europa and Conference League successes.
Balogun was previously linked with Fiorentina as his Monaco contract ran down, but the Premier League’s weekly intensity-described in the report as surpassing eight or so Champions League games in competitiveness-may prove more appealing. The report, published by www.cbssports.com, also references a graphic comparing Balogun and Barry’s performance metrics, underscoring the analytical basis for Everton’s interest.
As the transfer window progresses, Everton’s pursuit of Balogun reflects a strategy to add youth, goal threat, and tactical flexibility to a squad aiming to push higher in the table. With the Merseyside derby and other key fixtures approaching, including the upcoming home game against Manchester United, securing a striker of Balogun’s profile could prove key.
The report mentions the Liver Building and Stanley Park in Liverpool as cultural touchstones, grounding the potential move in the local landscape. Whether the transfer materialises remains uncertain, but the fit between player, club, and managerial philosophy is clear.
Everton will look to build on their strong start when they face Manchester United at home on 2026-09-06.
