Everton make bid for Monaco striker Balogun
August 31, 2026 15:16
Everton have submitted a bid to AS Monaco for striker Folarin Balogun, who is reported to be valued at £40m by the French club. The club are trying to add to their forward options before Tuesday’s transfer deadline and have also been linked with Tottenham’s Richarlison.
It is not yet clear whether Monaco will accept Everton’s approach. The Toffees are pressing their interest in the 25-year-old, who moved from Arsenal to Monaco in 2023.
KEY CONTEXT
- Everton want to reinforce their attack ahead of the transfer window closing and have identified Balogun as a principal target. Richarlison has also been mentioned as a target, but media reporting suggests he has reservations about a return to Everton.
- Balogun was a standout for the United States at the recent World Cup, scoring three goals. He was sent off for a challenge against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last-32 match; that red card would normally have led to an automatic suspension.
- FIFA’s disciplinary committee later stayed his ban for a year, a decision that drew widespread criticism after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA about the sanction. UEFA publicly criticised the committee’s handling of the matter. FIFA’s disciplinary head declined to answer BBC questions about the process, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino denied exerting influence over disciplinary outcomes.
WHY IT MATTERS
A move for Balogun would be a significant attacking signing for Everton given his World Cup form and Monaco’s valuation. The potential transfer also carries reputational sensitivity because of the high-profile disciplinary controversy that followed his World Cup red card and the extraordinary scrutiny of FIFA’s subsequent handling of the case. How Monaco respond to Everton’s offer will indicate the club’s willingness to sell a young forward who has attracted international attention.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Monaco accept Everton’s bid before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
- Any further developments around Everton’s interest in Richarlison and whether that pursuit affects their position on Balogun.
- Possible official statements from Monaco, Everton or the player’s representatives about the transfer approach.
KEY FACTS
- Everton have made an offer for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun; Monaco value him at £40m.
- Everton are also linked with Tottenham’s Richarlison; Richarlison is reported to have doubts about returning to Everton.
- Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023.
- He scored three goals at the World Cup and was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32.
- FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended his ban for a year; reports said US President Donald Trump and White House officials lobbied FIFA over the case.
- UEFA criticised FIFA’s decision; FIFA’s disciplinary head did not answer BBC questions and FIFA president Gianni Infantino denied influencing disciplinary decisions.