Following a breakout 2026 FIFA World Cup, United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun has been linked to a move away from AS Monaco, which paid a $32.5 million transfer fee to Arsenal for his services in 2023.
Balogun scored 19 goals in all competitions with Monaco last season, and followed that up with three goals at his first-ever World Cup. Now, the 25-year-old is drawing interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Tottenham, Aston Villa and, most notably, FC Barcelona. Monaco
The reigning champions of Spain are in the market for a new striker after their world-class goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, signed wth MLS side Chicago Fire FC on a free transfer. Monaco have set a $70 million asking price for Balogun, and our own Stu Holden believes Balogun would be a wise investment for the Blaugrana.
“Would it shock me if Barcelona decided to sign Folarin Balogun? Those numbers that are being talked down today actually aren’t ridiculous by today’s standards,” Holden said on Monday’s State of the Union podcast.
“I think he has a lot of ability on the ball, he’s shown that he can score goals at a high level, he’s played Champions League, he’s got speed, he can create goals for himself, his back-to-goal play is good.”
(Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
There have only been two American players to suit up for FC Barcelona: Sergiño Dest, who made 72 appearances for the club over two seasons, and Konrad de la Fuente, who appeared in three matches. If Balogun secures a move to Barcelona, he could become the third, and maybe the best.
“I’d be intrigued if he had the opportunity to get a move to Barcelona. I think he could be successful there for sure,” Balogun said.
