Everton have made a bid to sign Monaco and United States striker Folarin Balogun, with the Premier League club hoping to negotiate a deal below the French side’s reported £40m valuation.
Balogun, 25, is understood to be a priority target for Everton after an impressive campaign with Monaco. The striker scored 19 goals and registered four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions last season, establishing himself as one of the club’s most influential attacking players.
His form continued into this summer’s World Cup, where he scored three times in four matches for the United States. The USA’s tournament ended in the round of 16 with defeat by Belgium, but Balogun’s performances further strengthened his reputation and attracted interest from elsewhere.
According to BBC Sport, Everton have now stepped up their pursuit by submitting an offer to Monaco. The French club value Balogun at £40m, although Everton believe there is room to agree a lower fee and are pressing ahead with their attempt to bring him to Merseyside.
Balogun was also involved in controversy during the World Cup. He received a red card in the United States’ match against Bosnia, after which FIFA decided to ‘suspend’ his dismissal at the behest of Donald Trump.
The decision added an unusual dimension to a tournament in which Balogun had otherwise made a significant impact for the USA. Despite the circumstances surrounding his disciplinary sanction, he remained one of the leading figures in the American squad before its elimination by Belgium.
Everton’s interest in Balogun comes as the club considers further attacking options. Tottenham forward Richarlison is another player being monitored, but the Brazilian is understood to have major reservations about returning to the Merseyside club.
Those concerns could make a move for Balogun more attractive to Everton as they continue discussions over their preferred striker target. The club believe Monaco’s £40m asking price may not be final and are attempting to secure the 25-year-old for a smaller sum.
For Monaco, Balogun’s goalscoring record and performances for the United States have strengthened his value. Everton’s bid represents the first reported step in negotiations, with the Premier League side now seeking to establish whether an agreement can be reached for the striker.
The proposed move would see Balogun leave Monaco after a season in which he scored 19 goals and supplied four assists in 43 appearances. His three goals in four World Cup games have added to the attention around him, while Everton continue to weigh up their options in attack.
