Report: Everton closing in on deal for USMNT F Folarin Balogun

United States Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun is closing in on a return to the Premier League with ESPN reporting Everton is set to offer $47.5 million for the AS Monaco striker.

Balogun, 25, would be the replacement at forward for Beto, who is reportedly set to join Fiorentina in Italy on a $20.3 million deal.

Balogun scored a pair of goals in the United States' opening victory of the World Cup against Paraguay then added another in the round of 32 against Bosnia Herzegovina. In that latter match, Balogun made international waves following a red card in the 64th minute.

Controversy ensued when Balogun's one-game suspension was lifted and he was able to play in a round of 16 match against Belgium. The United States was trounced in that match 4-1 and eliminated from the World Cup.

Over the past three seasons with Monaco, Balogun scored 31 goals with nine assists in 91 matches (67 starts) across all competitions. He played in the Premier League with Arsenal during the 2021-22 season and was at Middlesbrough in the English Championship before his move to Monaco.

A native of England to Nigerian parents, Balogun was born in New York, which qualified him to play for the United States. He has scored 12 goals across 31 matches for the USMNT since 2023.

Balogun's move to Everton comes after various reports this past offseason of potential moves to Tottenham, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

--Field Level Media