Everton linked with Folarin Balogun move
Everton have been backed to make a transfer move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, who has starred for the USA at the World Cup. Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes the former Gunners forward could thrive at Goodison Park under manager David Moyes.
Balogun, 25, has scored six goals in 29 appearances for the USA since September 2025, including a brace in the World Cup opener against Paraguay. He also provided the cross for the own goal that set up a 2-0 win over Australia. The USA topped Group D, and Balogun was rested for the final group match.
Balogun's career path
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 3, 2001, Balogun moved to London at two months old. He joined Arsenal at age eight, making 10 senior appearances and scoring twice. Loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims followed, with 22 goals for the latter prompting Monaco to pay €30 million for him in August 2023. He has scored 31 goals in 91 games for Monaco.
Transfer speculation and Moyes' history
According to Football Insider, Balogun wants to leave Monaco, who value him at over £40 million with two years left on his contract. A source close to Moyes suggests the Everton boss may make a move in the current window. Moyes has previously signed USA stars Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, and Brian McBride.
Alan Smith's endorsement
Speaking to Best Betting Sites, Smith said: 'I remember the excitement. There's this young lad coming through the ranks, Balogun, you know, a great goal scorer... It might be that he's ready for that kind of move, the step up into the Premier League... So, yeah, that'd be an interesting one. I'd like to see him do well, and Everton could be a good home for him.'
