USMNT Star Striker Linked With Shock Move to Barcelona for ‘Substantial Fee’

The Spanish champions are running out of time to get a deal over the line, as the summer transfer window closes on Sept. 1.

Folarin Balogun (left) quickly established himself as the face of the USMNT this summer. | Kohjiro Kinno/Sports Illustrated

Before conversations quickly became dominated by his controversial red card reversal at the World Cup, U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun was stealing headlines for his magnetism to the back of the net, a trait Barcelona seemingly have not forgotten.

The back-to-back La Liga champions have reportedly joined the race for the Monaco star’s hand, something that could command a “substantial fee,” per French publication L’Equipe. Hansi Flick’s side are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, after seeing the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres and the failed negotiations for Julián Alvarez.

The 25-year-old endeared himself not only to several top European clubs, but also to the American people this summer after his performance at the World Cup, netting three goals in four appearances and creating many more chances for the Stars and Stripes across home soil.

His brace in the opener against Paraguay instantly made him a household name and the new face of the squad, especially amid the absence of Christian Pulisic’s typical heroics. The USMNT became known for its aggressive front-footedness, a historically-unusual characteristic for the American side, in large part to having Balogun lead the front line.

Although Balogun quickly became entrapped in a scandal not of his own making, it was ultimately a successful international campaign for him directly off the back of a career-best club campaign. Balogun, named Monaco’s best player last season, scored 19 goals in 43 appearances, including a stretch of 10 goals in 10 games for the French club this spring.

Balogun is under contract with Monaco until the summer of 2028, but has yet to feature with the Ligue 1 side in the new campaign. With just over a week left in the summer transfer window, which closes on Sept. 1, Barcelona are running out of time to get a deal over the line.

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Folarin Balogun First Linked With Premier League Return

Folarin Balogun grew up in the Arsenal system. | Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images

Earlier this month, it was reported that Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Balogun, with the move estimated at around $69.3 million (£51.3 million) should it materialize. Aston Villa are also reportedly interested, giving Barcelona two competitors in the race for the star striker.

Should Balogun wind up with Spurs, it would be a significant point of contention. The north London side are the fierce and most historic rival of Arsenal, where Balogun spent 12 years, including the earliest parts of his career.

The American was raised in the Gunners’ academy from age 8, working his way up to the first team. Balogun was called up to the senior squad in 2020–21 and made six appearances between the Europa League and Carabao Cup. He made his Premier League debut the following season, before undergoing two loan stints (at Middlesbrough and Reims) after failing to make a significant impact at the Emirates. He secured a permanent transfer to Monaco ahead of the 2023–24 season.

Aston Villa are thought to be monitoring Balogun’s status in case their forward, Ollie Watkins, makes the move to Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League this summer.

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