Everton in talks with Monaco over USMNT striker Folarin Balogun
Synopsis
With one day left in the transfer window, Everton are chasing Folarin Balogun — the USMNT's World Cup top scorer who became the first US player to score twice in a World Cup game since 1930, and whose tournament was overshadowed by a red-card suspension controversy involving a Trump-Infantino phone call.
Key Takeaways
Everton are in preliminary talks with AS Monaco over United States striker Folarin Balogun , with one day left in the transfer window.
Balogun, 25 , has made 91 appearances and scored 31 goals for Monaco since joining in 2023 .
He scored 3 goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026 , including a brace against Paraguay — the first by a US player in a World Cup match since 1930 .
His one-game suspension was controversially overturned by FIFA after US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino .
Everton are also pursuing Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur and have confirmed deals for Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George .
Striker Beto 's likely departure to Fiorentina has made attacking reinforcements a priority for the Merseyside club.
Everton are in preliminary discussions with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco over a potential move for United States striker Folarin Balogun, with just one day remaining in the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 25-year-old emerged as one of the standout forwards of the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, finishing as the USMNT's top scorer as the side advanced to the round of 16.
Why Balogun Is on the Move
Balogun has been at Monaco since 2023, accumulating 91 appearances and 31 goals across all competitions. However, reports indicate he is likely to depart the French club, with contract extension talks yet to materialise despite two years remaining on his current deal. The absence of renewal discussions has opened the door for Premier League interest.
Everton's Striking Crisis
The Merseyside club's pursuit of Balogun is driven by an urgent need for attacking reinforcements. Striker Beto's future at Goodison Park remains uncertain, with Everton reportedly in negotiations with Fiorentina over his departure. Should the Portuguese forward leave, Thierno Barry would be the sole recognised striker on the books — a thin resource for a club navigating a demanding Premier League campaign.
Everton's Busy Window
The Toffees have been active in this transfer window beyond the Balogun pursuit. The club is also seeking to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur, with Iliman Ndiaye heading in the opposite direction to Spurs. Everton have additionally confirmed deals for Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George as they reshape their squad.
Balogun's World Cup Moment — and the Controversy That Followed
Balogun's profile rose sharply during the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he scored three goals for the USMNT. Notably, his brace against Paraguay in the group stage made him the first US player to score twice in a World Cup match since 1930. However, the tournament was not without controversy for the striker. He received a red card in the round of 32 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match suspension. That ban was subsequently overturned by FIFA — a decision that drew scrutiny after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Balogun played the round of 16 clash against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1.
What a Return to England Would Mean
A move to Everton would mark Balogun's return to the Premier League for the first time since he left Arsenal for Monaco in 2023. The deal, if concluded, would be one of the more high-profile deadline-day transfers of this window — and a significant statement of intent from a club working to stabilise its first-team attack ahead of a crucial season.
Point of View
But his true value is as a proven goal-scorer at a high level, not merely a headline name. The bigger question the transfer window leaves unanswered is whether Everton's squad-building approach — multiple deadline-day scrambles, swap deals, and uncertainty over key players — reflects a coherent sporting plan or reactive crisis management. The Trump-Infantino controversy that trailed Balogun through the World Cup will also follow him to the Premier League, and how the club manages that narrative matters.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Everton interested in Folarin Balogun?
Everton are pursuing Balogun primarily because striker Beto's future at the club is uncertain, with a move to Fiorentina reportedly in discussion. Should Beto leave, Thierno Barry would be the only recognised striker at the club, making Balogun's acquisition an urgent priority on transfer deadline day.
What did Folarin Balogun achieve at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Balogun was the USMNT's top scorer at the FIFA World Cup 2026, netting three goals as the US reached the round of 16. His brace against Paraguay in the group stage made him the first US player to score twice in a single World Cup match since 1930.
What was the controversy surrounding Balogun's World Cup suspension?
Balogun received a red card in the round of 32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, which should have ruled him out of the round of 16. FIFA overturned the ban, and reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the decision. Balogun played the round of 16 against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1.
How long has Folarin Balogun been at Monaco and what is his contract status?
Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 and has made 91 appearances, scoring 31 goals. He has two years remaining on his deal, but reports indicate no extension talks are underway, making a summer departure likely.
What other transfer moves is Everton making this window?
Alongside the Balogun pursuit, Everton are working to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur — with Iliman Ndiaye moving in the opposite direction — and have already confirmed deals for Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George.
