Balogun scores twice at the World Cup and could cost €50m in the market
Folarin Balogun has become the hottest name of the European summer transfer window. The 24-year-old centre-forward scored twice in the United States’ 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay, becoming the first man to do so for a US side at a World Cup since 1930. In the following game, he was again named man of the match in the 2-0 win over Australia. The striker is driving the United States through the group stage – and the market is watching.
Monaco exit on the cards, Premier League in front
Balogun’s contract with Monaco runs until June 2028, but there has been no talk of an extension. The word behind the scenes is clear: the player would rather leave. The principality club is expected to ask around €50 million for the transfer – which would represent a €20m profit on the fee paid to Arsenal in 2023.
Initial talks with possible destinations have already taken place, even if nothing is advanced. The Premier League’s interest is concrete: his status as a homegrown player in English football makes Balogun even more attractive to clubs in the English top flight. There is also interest from Italy, but the final direction is not yet decided.
Over the past four years in Ligue 1, the striker has racked up 31 goals in 91 games across all competitions, plus 11 goals in 29 matches for the US national team. The tactical evolution is visible: from a finisher who relied on touch, Balogun has become a runner in behind, averaging 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in 2025-26, well below the 2.8 he recorded in his debut season. Simplicity and efficiency.
A busy market beyond Balogun
The summer 2026 window is moving far more than a single name. Arsenal are negotiating the signing of Jeremy Monga, a 16-year-old Leicester City winger, and are monitoring Andria Bartishvili, a 17-year-old midfielder from Georgia’s under-21 side. The Gunners are also open to selling Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Fabio Vieira – and names like Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could leave for the right price.
Chelsea have concrete reinforcement plans: a central defender and a versatile forward are on the list. Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix is the main defensive target, while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers remains under watch despite competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The London club value Enzo Fernández at £120 million and are in no rush to sell him – even with Real Madrid circling the Argentine midfielder.
Liverpool’s World Cup group-stage campaign is over, as is the case for several other European clubs, which should accelerate the movements once the tournament reaches the knockout phase. The window is still in its early days. But the pace is already high.
