Everton have reached an agreement with Monaco for the transfer of USMNT centre-forward Folarin Balogun to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Balogun came through Arsenal’s academy before making his senior debut in a 3-0 UEFA Europa League victory over Dundalk on 29 October 2020.
A prolific loan spell at Stade de Reims, where he scored 22 goals, did little to increase his opportunities with Arsenal’s first team, as he made only 10 senior appearances for the Gunners before completing a permanent transfer to AS Monaco in the summer of 2023.
Since moving to Stade Louis II, Balogun has established himself as one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, providing 44 goal involvements across all competitions, including 24 during the recently concluded campaign.
The 25-year-old also impressed on the international stage during the recently concluded World Cup, emerging as one of the USMNT’s standout performers after scoring three goals in four matches before their round-of-16 elimination by Belgium.
However, game time has been limited this season as head coach Filipe LuÃs has chosen summer arrival Paris Brunner as his preferred choice, and the youngster is already repaying the faith with four goals in four games.
As a result, several clubs have shown interest in Balogun, but it appears Everton have stolen a march on other rivals, as Fabrizio Romano claims that the Toffees have reached an agreement with Monaco to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent transfer.
Balogun to Everton
The transfer expert adds that the French club agreed to sanction Balogun’s departure after agreeing to a £38m fixed fee from the Merseyside club, plus £4m in add-ons and a sell-on clause.
In a separate update, Romano says Everton have also agreed personal terms on a contract until 2030, with an option of another year, with the USMNT international, who has been granted permission to travel for his medical today.
Everton’s need for a prolific centre-forward was laid bare in their matchweek two Premier League clash against Bournemouth, where a stoppage-time James Tarkowski equaliser rescued a point for the visitors despite having had several chances to score.
Thiero Barry was particularly guilty of fluffing his chances, with FOTMOB rating his finishing at a meagre 0.86 despite being responsible for 1.42 of David Moyes’ side’s XG.
Described as ‘incredible’ by Mikel Arteta, Balogun would undoubtedly help salvage Everton’s goalscoring woes, and Moyes would hope he is match-fit ahead of the matchweek three clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
