Folarin Balogun (foto: Getty Images)
US international Folarin Balogun is set to return to English football, with Everton negotiating a €50m deal with Monaco for the 25-year-old striker.
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Folarin Balogun is preparing for a major move after a turbulent World Cup summer. The United States striker is close to leaving Monaco and returning to the Premier League with Everton.
The proposed transfer is expected to be worth as much as €50m, with Everton paying €45m up front and another €5m potentially following through bonuses. Balogun is set to sign a four-year contract with an option for an additional season.
From World Cup controversy to a new beginning
Balogun became one of the most talked-about US players during the World Cup, although largely through circumstances beyond his control. After he was sent off, an intervention involving US President Donald Trump was followed by FIFA allowing the striker to feature in the following match.
The unusual episode generated enormous publicity and considerable criticism, although Balogun himself largely avoided commenting publicly on the controversy. He subsequently returned quietly to Monaco, but his time in Ligue 1 now appears to be coming to an end.
The 25-year-old New York-born striker has made 31 appearances for the United States and already knows English football extremely well. He developed through Arsenal's academy after joining the London club as a youngster and later spent time on loan at Middlesbrough and Reims.
Balogun eventually left Arsenal permanently for Monaco in 2023. Three years later, he is now close to returning to England in one of Everton's biggest moves of the summer.
Everton are rebuilding their attack, and Balogun is not expected to be their only major addition. Jack Grealish is also set to return to Merseyside after Everton reached an agreement with Manchester City over another loan spell.
If the final details of Balogun's transfer are completed, Everton will have added two major attacking reinforcements as they look to make a significant step forward this season.