Barcelona put Folarin Balogun at top of striker shortlist

Barcelona have made Monaco forward Folarin Balogun a leading target as they accelerate their search for a new striker ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Catalan club are understood to have developed a serious interest in the 25-year-old United States international, according to French newspaper L’Equipe. Their move puts them in competition with Tottenham and Aston Villa, who have been monitoring Balogun for some time.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has identified the centre-forward position as the club’s most urgent recruitment priority. The need has become more pressing because of the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, while efforts to sign Julian Alvarez have run into difficulties.

With just over 10 days remaining before the transfer window closes on 1 September, coach Hansi Flick and the club’s recruitment team have broadened their list of possible targets. Balogun is now among the most prominent names being considered.

The striker strengthened his case with an impressive campaign at Monaco, scoring 19 goals in 43 matches in all competitions. That return made him one of the club’s standout performers and has increased his value in the transfer market.

Balogun is under contract with Monaco until June 2028, leaving the French club in no immediate need to sell. As a result, Monaco are expected to demand a substantial fee before considering his departure.

His reputation grew further during the 2026 World Cup, staged in the United States. Balogun finished as his country’s leading scorer with three goals in four matches and helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side reach the last 16.

The United States were beaten 4-1 by Belgium at that stage, but Balogun’s performances ensured he remained one of the tournament’s most discussed forwards.

His involvement in the competition was also surrounded by controversy. A disputed decision allowed him to play in the last-16 tie despite being suspended, following intervention from United States president Donald Trump. The decision prompted widespread anger across football circles and made Balogun one of the most controversial figures at the World Cup.

Monaco are aware that interest in the forward could intensify during the final days of the window. Although Balogun was absent from the club’s most recent match against Gornik Zabrze in the first leg of the Conference League qualifying round, Monaco included him on their UEFA list.

That registration could have an impact on any prospective transfer and may complicate negotiations with Barcelona or other interested clubs.

The decision now rests with Barcelona, who must act quickly if they want to turn their interest into a formal offer. The club can either make an attempt to sign Balogun, the forward whose World Cup campaign attracted both praise and controversy, or continue exploring alternative options before the transfer window closes.

The issue has also prompted wider discussion among football supporters, with the subject being debated in greater depth on the Kooora forums.