Everton have reached a €50 million agreement for AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, with the USMNT international now close to making a return to the Premier League.

Everton have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of a new attacking leader, finalising a full club-to-club agreement with AS Monaco for Balogun’s transfer. The United States international is now edging towards a move back to the Premier League as the Toffees aim to strengthen their forward options before the transfer deadline.

Toffees complete big-money agreement

Everton have moved decisively in the closing stages of the summer transfer window by agreeing a deal to bring Balogun in from AS Monaco. The transfer is a significant show of intent from David Moyes’s team, who have been urgently looking for a reliable goalscorer after a period of major disruption in their attacking unit.

The structure of the deal reflects the 25-year-old’s considerable potential and the impact he made during his time in Ligue 1. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs have agreed on a €45m €45m fixed fee, €5m in add-ons and a sell-on clause, allowing Monaco to recoup strong value on their investment while Everton secure one of the game’s most highly rated young strikers.

Personal terms still to be resolved

Although the agreement between the two clubs is now in place, the move has not yet been fully completed. Attention has turned to the player’s representatives, with talks continuing into the evening to settle the details of his proposed contract at Goodison Park. Romano indicated that negotiations ongoing tonight on personal terms represent the final important step to get the transfer over the line.

Balogun is said to be receptive to the switch, seeing Everton as the right place to rebuild his standing in English football after a challenging season in France. A new beginning under Moyes would give the USMNT star the opportunity to spearhead the attack for one of the Premier League’s historic clubs.

Replacing Beto and Ndiaye

Balogun’s expected arrival comes during a period of major change for Everton’s squad. The club has had to respond after Iliman Ndiaye left for Manchester City, while Beto has also moved on, joining Fiorentina in Serie A.

Those departures created a huge gap in the attacking department, making it necessary for Everton to bring in a marquee replacement capable of offering both speed and composed finishing.

Everton supporters will hope Balogun can deliver the cutting edge that has been lacking in the final third. With a little over 24 hours left in the transfer window, the club is also being linked with other big names, including Jack Grealish.

The Richarlison complication

The possible signing of Balogun, along with Everton’s interest in Grealish, has also prompted questions over other targets, especially former fan favourite Richarlison.

Although the Brazilian has posted emotional hints on social media about a possible return to Merseyside, the financial size of the Balogun package suggests Everton may already have committed most of their main resources.

If the Balogun move is completed smoothly, it would represent a major success for Everton in a transfer window marked by late twists. The striker, who remains an important figure for the United States national team, is expected to undergo a medical soon after personal terms are agreed.