Everton have reportedly submitted a transfer offer for United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun. The bid comes as the Premier League club seeks to overhaul its forward line ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Balogun, a key figure for the USMNT, is seen as a primary target to bolster Everton's attacking options. The club is in the process of reshaping its squad, with forwards Beto and Thierno Barry expected to depart for new clubs. This creates a clear need for fresh talent up front, and Balogun's profile fits the bill.
Why is Balogun a target for Everton?
Folarin Balogun brings a blend of youth and international experience that Everton's recruitment team values. The 25-year-old striker is familiar with English football, having come through the Arsenal academy and made a senior debut for the Gunners. He also spent time on loan at Middlesbrough earlier in his career. After a period at Monaco where he found playing time limited, Balogun is reportedly interested in a return to England, which makes Everton's pursuit timely.
His potential arrival would directly address a shortage of proven goalscorers in the squad. The club's current squad shows a reliance on a few key attackers, and adding competition is a priority. Balogun would be expected to compete for the central striker role, bringing pace and a direct goal threat.
How does Richarlison fit into Everton's plans?
Alongside the interest in Balogun, Everton are also linked with a move to bring Richarlison back to Goodison Park. The Brazilian forward enjoyed a successful spell at Tottenham last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. His potential return adds another layer to the attacking rebuild.
If both moves materialize, Balogun and Richarlison would likely compete for the starting number nine position. This internal competition could raise the performance level of the entire forward line. Manager Sean Dyche prefers a system with a physical, mobile focal point, and both players offer different attributes that could suit his approach.
What does this mean for Monaco and Balogun's future?
Monaco, Balogun's current club, is also active in the transfer market and is said to be eyeing a move for a different attacker. This suggests they may be preparing for life without the US international, potentially smoothing the path for a deal with Everton. For Balogun, a move to Merseyside represents a chance to secure regular first-team football in a top league, which is vital for his development and his place with the United States national team as they build towards the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
A successful transfer would see him join a core of USMNT players performing at a high level in Europe, which bodes well for the national team's prospects. Fans can track the fitness and form of all US internationals on our dedicated injuries and stats pages.
When could a deal be completed?
With the summer transfer window open, negotiations are expected to progress in the coming weeks. Everton's need for reinforcements is urgent, especially with key Premier League fixtures on the horizon. The club's first match of the new season is against Aston Villa on August 15, a game you can find on our fixtures schedule. Securing a striker of Balogun's caliber before that date would be a significant boost to their early-season preparations.
