Folarin Balogun is turning World Cup form into a transfer problem for a European giant

20 Jun 2026 11:50 BST | 5 min read

Folarin Balogun, World Cup 2026, USMNT — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Folarin Balogun has been one of the stars of the 2026 World Cup, putting him firmly in the frame for a big summer transfer, with Barcelona touted as an ideal destination for the USMNT hitman.

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The Monaco striker finished the Ligue 1 season as one of Europe’s form goal scorers, matching Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe as netting in eight successive league matches – a record among the continent’s Big 5 leagues this season.

He has continued that level in North America. Balogun scored two in the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay on matchday one, then persistently tormented Australia as Mauricio Pochettino’s side booked their place in the knockout stages with a comfortable 2-0 win.

Current ETV

Folarin Balogun

F (C)

Monaco

Folarin Balogun

F (C)

Monaco

ETV Range

€21.4M - €26.1M

And with Barcelona seeking a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski this summer, it would be remiss of them not to at least consider the former Arsenal man, who could slot neatly into their side as well as boost their commercial appeal in the USA.

Lewandowski’s departure, ironically to MLS, leaves Barca in need of a specialist centre-forward, and with Balogun’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sitting at just €23.8 million, he fits their price point.

Furthermore, there are already strong links forged between Barcelona and Monaco thanks to a deal that took Ansu Fati to the principality, initially on loan but subsequently on a permanent basis.

Balogun is a strong fit for Barcelona

What is particularly interesting about the 24-year-old former Arsenal striker is how well he would fit in at Barca, according to data analytics firm SciSports.

Balogun gets a Club Fit score of 80 with Barca, with this calculated using a wide variety of metrics ranging from potential development, game time, playing style and formation. His current score does not take into account that Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford have departed the club, so in reality his playing time rating will improve, lifting his whole mark up.

“I think he’s capable of playing in a big club and handling the pressure, because he will be perceived as a more experienced player given his career in Europe,” former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel told Goal.

© IMAGO - Folarin Balogun, Barcelona Career Advice

Balogun’s numbers suggest he can thrive at Barcelona

As Balogun showed against Paraguay, he is a striker who knows the way to goal.

Statistically, he put up impressive numbers across the board in Ligue 1, where he outperformed the league standard in all SciSports’ key centre-forward categories, while stylistically, he operates in a similar manner to Lewandowski.

His €23.8m Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) puts him firmly within Barcelona’s reach, while his wages are a fraction of those that either Lewandowski or Rashford command. Economically, this deal is entirely possible.

© IMAGO - Lewandowski and Balogun, Playing Style Comparison (2025/26)

The Balogun project is one worth pursuing for Barcelona

Balogun’s biggest issue is that he is not yet of a standard that will allow him to act as a direct replacement for Lewandowski. Instead, he would simply be a rotation option.

Could that be enough to tempt the Catalans into a summer move? Don’t discount it.

Although Barca have been linked with a €100m move for Julian Alvarez, it does not currently seem a viable prospect. Atletico Madrid are digging their heels in, having already rejected €150m from Real Madrid. Reports in Spain suggest that Arsenal may even be the Argentine’s only realistic way out.

Joao Pedro of Chelsea is another option, but the Brazilian will not be easy to prise away from Stamford Bridge, so it may be that Barca have to settle for Ferran Torres leading their line.

In this case, other possibilities would be studied. Rashford is one of those who could re-emerge as a target, but Balogun should also come into the picture. As a pure centre-forward who favours playing as a poacher, he would offer a like-for-like alternative, boasting a very similar profile to Ferran.

Given how neatly his characteristics fit Barcelona, there is a strong upside in signing Balogun as a project rather than someone who can immediately replace Lewandowski. The reward could be enormous.

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