World Cup spotlight increases transfer interest
Few players have enhanced their reputation more dramatically this summer than Folarin Balogun. While representing the United States on home soil at the World Cup, the striker has delivered the kind of performances that inevitably attract attention from across Europe.
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Balogun’s two-goal display in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay made history, becoming the first American male player since 1930 to score twice in a World Cup match. He followed that with another impressive showing against Australia, collecting a second consecutive Player of the Match award and helping guide his nation into the knockout rounds.
According to reporting from The Athletic, Balogun is expected to move this summer, with several clubs already exploring potential deals. Despite ongoing links to English clubs, Liverpool are not expected to pursue the Monaco forward, having prioritised alternative targets and different profiles within their recruitment plans.
That decision may surprise some supporters given Balogun’s age, experience and homegrown status, but Liverpool’s transfer strategy appears focused elsewhere.
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Monaco stance creates expensive proposition
The financial aspects of any deal also play a significant role.
Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 after emerging from the London club’s academy system. Following loan spells with Middlesbrough and Stade de Reims, he sought regular first-team football and found it in Ligue 1.
Monaco are believed to value the striker at around €50 million (£43.2m), a figure that would generate a substantial profit on their original investment. With Balogun’s contract running until June 2028, the French club are under no immediate pressure to sell.
The report suggests there have been no significant discussions over a contract extension and that the player is believed to favour a transfer. As a result, this summer is viewed as a logical point for Monaco to cash in while the striker’s value continues to rise.
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For Liverpool, however, committing such a fee to a player who may not be viewed as an ideal tactical fit appears difficult to justify.
Development in France highlights attacking strengths
Balogun’s progression since leaving Arsenal has been impressive.
Initially regarded as a striker who preferred receiving possession to feet, he has developed into a far more dynamic forward. His pace remains his standout attribute, but his movement has become increasingly sophisticated. He regularly attacks space behind defensive lines, times his runs intelligently and uses subtle changes of direction to evade offside traps.
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Inside the penalty area, there has been notable improvement too. His willingness to attack six-yard-box opportunities has increased, making him a more consistent goal threat.
Creatively, he offers qualities that many centre-forwards lack. While his passing success rate in advanced areas remains relatively modest, he attempts ambitious passes and regularly creates chances for team-mates. According to the original report, his eight big chances created during the 2025-26 campaign ranked among the strongest figures for centre-forwards across Europe’s major leagues.
Those attributes explain why interest from the Premier League and elsewhere continues to grow.
Liverpool focus points elsewhere
Liverpool’s decision not to actively pursue Balogun should not be interpreted as a criticism of the player.
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At 24, he is entering what should be the most productive years of his career. His record of 31 goals in 91 appearances for Monaco demonstrates consistency, while his tally of 11 goals in 29 matches for the United States highlights his growing importance on the international stage.
Nevertheless, recruitment is rarely about identifying talented players alone. It is about finding the right player at the right price and for the right role.
Balogun appears destined for a significant transfer in the coming weeks, but Liverpool’s current plans suggest they will not be part of the bidding. While other Premier League clubs continue to monitor developments closely, the Reds seem content to concentrate their resources on alternative priorities.
For Balogun, a return to English football remains a realistic possibility. For Liverpool, it is a transfer opportunity they have decided to leave behind.
