Folarin Balogun has finally become the striker many expected him to be during his Arsenal academy days, and Sunderland are keen to bring him back to England.
After leaving north London in search of regular football, the USA international has continued his development in France, and last season was comfortably the best of his career.
Balogun finished the 25/26 campaign with 19 goals and four assists in 43 appearances for Monaco, helping the Ligue 1 side secure another season of European football while establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous forwards.
His journey has not always been straightforward.
Balogun progressed through Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy before loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims helped shape him into a complete striker.
His remarkable 21-goal campaign at Reims convinced Monaco to spend around £34m on him in 2023, and after an inconsistent first year in the Principality, he has now delivered on that investment.
His reputation grew even further during this summer’s World Cup.
Balogun scored twice against Paraguay before leading the line for Mauricio Pochettino’s side throughout the tournament. However, his campaign was not without controversy.
The 25-year-old became the centre of a major World Cup incident after receiving a straight red card against Bosnia.
FIFA later suspended his automatic one-match ban following intervention from the White House, prompting widespread criticism from UEFA and several national associations, who argued the decision undermined football’s disciplinary integrity.
Even so, his displays only strengthened interest from clubs across Europe, and the Black Cats need a striker capable of scoring consistently against Premier League opposition.
Rather than signing potential alone, Sunderland would be targeting a forward who has delivered repeatedly, and one who could compete with Brian Brobbey.
Sunderland hold talks with Brian Brobbey after 19-goal Monaco season
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Sunderland have taken a significant step by holding talks with Balogun’s representatives over a potential move.
The report claims the newly promoted side are exploring a deal worth around £40 million as they look to bring the Monaco striker back to English football.
TEAMtalk adds that Sunderland have been gathering information on the conditions required to complete a transfer, with discussions taking place with the player’s camp.
Spending £40 million on a striker would represent another statement of intent after Sunderland’s impressive recruitment over the past year. It would also send a message that they’re serious about going far in the Europa League.
Of course, completing the deal will not be easy.
Balogun’s performances in Ligue 1 and at the World Cup have increased both his value and his profile, meaning Sunderland must compete with several clubs capable of offering European football or higher wages.
Monaco are also under no immediate pressure to sell unless an offer matches their valuation.
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Even so, this is exactly the type of transfer Sunderland should be chasing.
Balogun has already proven he can lead an attack, he still has room to improve, and he fits the profile of a modern Premier League striker.
Whether a deal can be completed remains uncertain, but simply being in the conversation for a player of his calibre shows how far Sunderland have come in a remarkably short space of time.
