Story perspectives

Tottenham Open Talks for Balogun, Monaco Wants €60M

8/13/2026

Summary

Tottenham Pursues Balogun

Tottenham have opened talks with AS Monaco to sign 25-year-old American striker Folarin Balogun.
Monaco have set an asking price of €60 million (?£51.2 million) for Balogun.
Balogun scored 19 goals in 45 games for Monaco last season and three in the World Cup.
Tottenham say the signing would fix striker shortages, citing Dominic Solanke’s underperformance and Richarlison’s final contract year.
Fabrizio Romano said Tottenham are not in advanced negotiations for Balogun.

Summary

Balogun Leads

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said Balogun can lead alone or partner, creating chances and scoring.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi stated Dominic Solanke remains the first-choice striker.
A two-striker setup may pair Balogun with Mathys Tel.
Balogun and Ricardo Pepi combined for the United States’ 2-0 World Cup win over Australia.
The post-relegation rebuild gives Balogun a lower-pressure upgrade from Monaco.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 European Court of Justice Bosman ruling, sparked by Belgian player Jean-Marc Bosman, ended transfer fees for out-of-contract EU players and banned EU-player quotas. This opened cross-border markets, raising the share of foreign players in Europe’s top five leagues from 23 % in 1990 to 71 % in 2025. Tottenham’s 2024 €60 million bid for 25-year-old American striker Folarin Balogun reflects that high-fee, post-Bosman environment.

1 of 3

Tottenham Pursues Balogun

Tottenham have opened talks with AS Monaco to sign 25-year-old American striker Folarin Balogun.
Monaco have set an asking price of €60 million (?£51.2 million) for Balogun.
Balogun scored 19 goals in 45 games for Monaco last season and three in the World Cup.
Tottenham say the signing would fix striker shortages, citing Dominic Solanke’s underperformance and Richarlison’s final contract year.
Fabrizio Romano said Tottenham are not in advanced negotiations for Balogun.

1 / 3