Everton Close in on Folarin Balogun as Transfer Deadline Looms

Everton are in advanced negotiations with AS Monaco to sign United States international Folarin Balogun, according to talkSPORT. The 25-year-old striker is wanted by the Toffees as they look to revamp their attack, with the summer transfer window set to close on Tuesday at 6 m. ET.

Reported Fee and Contract Details

The Athletic reports that Everton have agreed to a deal in the range of an initial $52.3–54 million (€45–46.7 million, £38.58–40 million), plus $5.8 million (€5 million, £4.3 million) in potential add-ons. Balogun had two years remaining on his contract with Monaco, and reports suggested no contract extension talks had taken place. The move would make him the seventh USMNT player in the Premier League.

Balogun's Career and Form

Balogun was born in New York to Nigerian parents, granting him S. citizenship, and grew up in London. He came through Arsenal's academy and made 10 first-team appearances for the club, including two in the Premier League, before moving to Middlesbrough and then to Stade de Reims in 2022–23. He joined Monaco in 2024.

Last season, Balogun scored a career-high 19 goals and added five assists in 43 Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League matches. He also had a strong World Cup campaign on home soil this summer, scoring three goals in four fixtures, which reportedly caught the attention of several top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Since his USMNT debut in 2023, he has scored 12 goals in 31 caps.

Everton's Plans and Potential Debut

Balogun would likely replace Beto up front, as Everton hope to sell the Guinea-Bissau forward to a Serie A club before the deadline, with talkSPORT reporting Beto is reportedly set to join Fiorentina. Everton finished 13th in the Premier League last season with 49 points and have opened the new campaign with four points from two matches. Balogun could make his debut against Manchester United on Saturday.