Full Breakdown
Everton Secure USMNT Striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco
9/1/2026, 8:15:27 PM
Core Transfer Details
Everton have reached an agreement with AS Monaco for United States international forward Folarin Balogun, 25, on a four-year contract. The clubs settled on a fixed fee of €45 million (? £38.5 million) with €5 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause. The deal was announced on 31 August 2026 and must be completed before the 1 September 2026 deadline. Balogun is expected to travel to Merseyside for a medical on the Tuesday following the announcement.
Background & Context
Balogun progressed through Arsenal’s academy, made ten senior appearances for the Gunners and had loan spells at Middlesbrough and Stade Reims before moving permanently to Monaco in 2023 for a reported £35 million. In 2025-26 he scored 19 goals and added four assists in 43 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League, earning Monaco’s player-of-the-season award.
At the 2026 World Cup he netted three goals for the United States, including a brace against Paraguay and a decisive strike against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Everton’s interest intensified after confirming the impending sale of forward Beto to Fiorentina for around £15 million, creating a vacancy in the Toffees’ front line. Manager David Moyes has said the club needs a reliable spearhead to complement striker Thierno Barry.
Data & Statistics
- Goals for Monaco (2025-26): 19 in 43 games (all competitions)
- Champions League goals: 5 in the same season
- USMNT record: 12 goals in 31 caps since debut in 2023
- Transfer fee range reported: £38.5 million – £40 million – €45 million – $54 million (add-ons up to €5 million)
- Contract length: Four years with an optional fifth season
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve always said that I’m an unorthodox sort of striker, because naturally it wasn’t where I grew up playing, so I would always look to exploit spaces,” — Folarin Balogun
- “He just wants to play at the highest level he can, on the biggest stage possible,” — Saul Isaksson-Hurst
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact headline fee:
- The BBC and ESPN cite a £40 million figure.
- The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland mentions “£38.5 million” plus add-ons.
- Fabrizio Romano reports a €45 million fixed fee with €5 million in add-ons.
Add-on structures and the sell-on clause are also variably described, with some outlets noting potential total payments of up to €50 million. No club has released an official statement confirming the final total, leaving the precise financial terms unresolved until the contract is signed.
What’s Next
Balogun is slated to undergo his medical on the Tuesday after the 31 August 2026 announcement. If the medical and paperwork are completed before the 1 September 2026 deadline, the transfer will be registered and he will be eligible to feature for Everton in the opening weeks of the 2026-27 Premier League season. The club will also need to finalise the Beto-to-Fiorentina move and assess the status of other targets such as Richarlison and Jack Grealish.
