Liverpool Decides Not to Target Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun became one of the most talked about players after his impressive performance in the World Cup. In this tournament, he showed a performance that attracted the attention of many clubs in Europe. Balogun scored twice in a 4-1 win against Paraguay, making him the first American male player since 1930 to score two goals in a single World Cup match. He then continued his brilliant performance by winning the Best Player award in the match against Australia and helping his country advance to the knockout stages.

According to a report from The Athletic, Balogun is expected to move this summer, with several clubs already starting to explore possible deals. Despite much speculation regarding interest from English clubs, Liverpool will not pursue the Monaco forward, as they have prioritized other targets and player profiles in their recruitment plans.

This decision may come as a surprise to some fans given Balogun's age, experience and local status, but Liverpool's transfer strategy appears to be more focused on other players. The financial aspect of any deal also plays an important role. Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 after impressing at the London academy. After loan spells at Middlesbrough and Stade de Reims, he looked for a regular playing opportunity and found it in Ligue 1.

Monaco are thought to value the striker at around €50m (£43.2m), a figure that would result in a significant return on their initial investment. With Balogun's contract still valid until June 2028, the French club are under no pressure to sell. The report also states that there have been no significant discussions regarding a contract extension and that the player would prefer to move on. Therefore, this summer is considered the right time for Monaco to sell as the striker's value continues to rise.


For Liverpool, spending such a large fee on a player who may not suit their tactics seems difficult to justify. Balogun's development since leaving Arsenal has been impressive. Initially considered a striker who preferred to receive the ball at his feet, he has developed into a more dynamic striker. Speed ​​remains his superior attribute, but his movements are becoming more sophisticated. He often attacks the space behind the defensive line, timing his runs intelligently and using subtle changes of direction to avoid the offside trap.

Inside the penalty area, there has been a significant improvement. His willingness to attack opportunities at six yards increased, making him a more consistent goal threat. Creatively, he offers qualities that many centre-forwards often lack. Although his passing success rate in advanced areas is relatively moderate, he often attempts ambitious passes and creates chances for his team-mates. According to initial reports, the eight big chances created during the 2025-26 campaign are among the best figures for a center forward in Europe's major leagues.

That explains why interest from the Premier League and other clubs continues to grow. However, Liverpool's decision not to pursue Balogun should not be interpreted as criticism of the player. At the age of 24, he entered a productive period in his career. His record of 31 goals in 91 appearances for Monaco shows consistency, while 11 goals in 29 games for the United States underlines his importance on the international stage.

However, the recruiting process is rarely just about identifying talented players. It's 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 involved in a bid. While other Premier League clubs continue to monitor developments, Liverpool appear content to concentrate their resources on alternative priorities. For Balogun, a return to English football remains a realistic possibility, while for Liverpool, this is a transfer opportunity they have decided to put aside.