Everton Pursues Folarin Balogun as Transfer Window Closes
Everton is actively seeking to secure United States striker Folarin Balogun, aiming to revamp their attacking options in the final hours of the transfer window. The club is in discussions with Monaco regarding the 25-year-old player, who recently saw his World Cup ban suspended amid lobbying from U.S. President Donald Trump to Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Balogun’s potential arrival comes as Beto, who has drawn interest from Fiorentina, may depart the club. Balogun, with a successful season behind him where he netted 19 goals for Monaco, is unlikely to extend his contract with the Ligue 1 side.
In addition to the Balogun talks, Everton is engaging with Tottenham on separate negotiations that could facilitate Richarlison’s return to Merseyside, four years after his departure for £60 million. There is also a possibility for Iliman Ndiaye to move to Tottenham as part of the deal.
The club is making headway in its efforts to re-sign Jack Grealish for another season following a successful loan last year. The £100 million player is currently considered surplus to requirements at Manchester City.
Furthermore, Everton is close to finalizing the acquisition of right-back Kenny Tete from Fulham, a move estimated at around £9 million. However, the club chose not to sell teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest due to supporter backlash. Manager David Moyes has indicated his preference to keep Armstrong but is open to Beto’s exit.
Beto has contributed 25 goals in 113 appearances for Everton since his £25 million transfer from Udinese in 2023, competing last season with Thierno Barry for the central forward position in Moyes’ lineup.
Everton are interested in United States striker Folarin Balogun as they consider overhauling their attack in the last 36 hours of the transfer window.
They have been in talks with Monaco about the 25-year-old, whose World Cup ban was controversially suspended after United States president Donald Trump lobbied his Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino.
Advertisement
Balogun could join Everton as Beto leaves, with Fiorentina interested in the 28-year-old.
Beto could depart Everton (Getty)
Balogun, who came through Arsenal’s youth system, scored 19 goals for Monaco last season but is unlikely to sign a new deal with the Ligue Un club.
Everton are also in talks with Tottenham about separate deals that could see Richarlison return to Merseyside, four years after his £60m sale, and Iliman Ndiaye move to the London club.
They are advancing in their attempts to bring Jack Grealish back for a second season following his loan last year, with the £100m man surplus to requirements at Manchester City.
Advertisement
Everton are also close to ending their long search for a right-back, with Kenny Tete potentially arriving from Fulham. He could cost around £9m.
But Everton decided against selling teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest after a backlash from supporters. Manager David Moyes implied he did not want Armstrong to go, either, but is willing to sanction Beto’s departure.
Beto has scored 25 goals in 113 games for Everton since his £25m move from Udinese in 2023 and spent last season competing with Thierno Barry for the centre-forward’s role in Moyes’ team.
[/gpt3]