Everton remain in contact to sign £42m Monaco forward Folarin Balogun

Everton reportedly remain in contact to sign AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, according to Football Insider. The Toffees came close to a deal this summer before it fell through, and they have continued talks with the player's representatives over a potential January or next-summer swoop.

  • Player: Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco)
  • Valuation: Around £42m (Transfermarkt)
  • Stage: Everton in contact with representatives; a deal could be difficult
  • Clubs interested: Balogun is attracting attention from other clubs
  • Contract: Balogun's existing deal runs until 2028
  • What's at stake: Everton's need for a striker after missing out on a forward this summer

Deal details

Football Insider state that David Moyes' side came close to signing Balogun this summer before the deal fell through. Everton remain keen on the 25-year-old and have continued to hold talks with his representatives over a potential move in January or next summer. The report claims Balogun attracting attention from other clubs, and having decided not to join Everton this summer, the Merseyside club may find it difficult to persuade him to join. With Balogun's existing deal set to run until 2028, Monaco might be open to letting him leave next year to make the most profit out of his departure. Balogun is valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt.

The numbers

  • Balogun's Transfermarkt valuation: around £42m
  • Balogun's goal contributions for Monaco last term: 23 across all competitions
  • Balogun's age: 25
  • Balogun's contract expiry: 2028
  • Everton's points this season: nine from five games (unbeaten)
  • Thierno Barry's stats this season: five goals and one assist in seven appearances across all competitions
  • Beto sold to Fiorentina on deadline day

Why Everton need Balogun

Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina on deadline day but failed to sign a replacement striker, leaving Thierno Barry as the only senior striker option. Barry, who moved to the Hill Dickinson Stadium from Villarreal, has enjoyed a promising start this season with five goals and one assist in seven appearances across all competitions. Despite Barry's form, the Toffees lack depth up front and David Moyes is keen to add another forward.

Folarin Balogun fits the profile. He is quick, strong, good in the air, can hold up play, and works hard without possession. A striker by trait, he is also comfortable on the flanks. At 25, he is at the prime stage of his career and knows the Premier League from his previous spell at Arsenal. His 23 goal contributions for Monaco last term, plus a promising World Cup with the USA this summer, show he can deliver in the final third.

However, Balogun has found himself on the periphery this season at Stade Louis II, which could make Monaco receptive to a sale next year. Everton's challenge is convincing the player, who turned them down once, and fending off rival interest. Moyes has guided Everton to an unbeaten start with nine points from five games, and adding a forward of Balogun's quality could sustain their push up the table.

Talking points

  • Everton were the only top-flight side to fail to sign a striker after selling Beto. Can they afford to wait until January when Barry is the sole option?
  • Balogun rejected Everton once. Is his head turned by other clubs, or can Moyes sell a project? The Merseyside club may be wasting their time.
  • Monaco could profit from Balogun next year with his deal expiring in 2028. Should Everton push for January or risk losing him?
  • Balogun's versatility on the flanks could suit Moyes' system, but does he score enough to be a No.9 in the Premier League?

What happens next

Everton continue talks with Balogun's representatives, but no formal bid has been reported. The next opportunity to sign him is the January window, though a summer move remains possible. Monaco's stance will be tested, with Balogun's contract situation – expiring in 2028 – giving them a decision to make on his future. Everton's need for a striker makes this a saga worth monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

Are Everton signing Folarin Balogun?

No deal is agreed. Everton remain in contact with Balogun's representatives over a potential January or summer move, according to Football Insider.

How much would Folarin Balogun cost Everton?

Balogun is valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, but Monaco's asking price is not stated in the report.

Why do Everton need a striker?

Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina on deadline day and failed to sign a replacement, leaving Thierno Barry as the only striker option this season.

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