Everton are trying to complete a transfer deadline day deal for USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun, with striker Beto having been given the green light to return to Serie A.
Balogun made headlines this summer by scoring three goals for the World Cup co-hosts, but then found himself at the centre of a major controversy. His ban for being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina was suspended, with multiple reports suggesting USA President Donald Trump personally rang FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.
Controversy and clearance
After Balogun was cleared to play for Mauricio Pochettino's side in their round of 16 showdown with Belgium in Seattle – which they subsequently lost 4-1 – President Trump posted on social media: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!” In response, former Everton striker Wayne Rooney, who had spells in the US capital as both a player and head coach at DC United, described the decision as “An absolute disgrace.”
Monaco stance and Beto's exit
Balogun currently plays for Monaco, for whom he netted 19 goals in 43 games last season. Speaking about the links, their chief executive Thiago Scuro is quoted as saying: “Yes, it is true that discussions are taking place regarding Balogun. That is also why we have already signed [Mathhis] Albine. We are ready to maintain the quality of the team if Balogun leaves, but we should know more very soon.”
The ECHO understands Everton are trying to do a deal for Balogun and have given striker Beto permission to discuss a return to Italy, with the Guinea-Bissau international set to head to Fiorentina for a medical. The 28-year-old, who is now in the final 12 months of his contract, joined the Blues from Udinese for £25.8million on August 29, 2023.
Balogun's background
Balogun's eligibility to represent the United States is based on a quirk of where his mother was at the time of his birth. His parents are Nigerian and he grew up in London, after they returned to the UK when he was just two months old. However, he was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 3, 2001, with his mother having visited the city when she was seven months pregnant only for airline staff to refuse permission for her to fly on her intended return flight due to safety concerns over how close she was to giving birth.
Joining Arsenal at the age of eight, Balogun made 10 senior appearances for them and scored twice, and had loan spells with Middlesbrough and Reims, netting 22 goals for the latter, which prompted their Ligue 1 rivals Monaco to snap him up for €30million on August 30, 2023.
