Barcelona are reportedly weighing up Monaco forward Folarin Balogun as a new centre-forward option, with his recent scoring record helping put him on the club’s radar despite no sign of a bid or talks at this stage.
- Barcelona are reportedly considering Balogun as a possible striker option, though a deal is not yet advanced.
- The Monaco forward scored 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 matches during the 2025/26 season.
- Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked, but Monaco are keen to keep hold of him.
Folarin Balogun’s Current Situation
Folarin Balogun is one of the forwards being looked at by Barcelona after a productive season with Monaco.
He scored 13 times in 30 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco in 2025/26, added five goals across 10 Champions League matches in 2025 and followed that up with three goals in four World Cup matches for the USA in 2026.
Barcelona are not the only side being linked. Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been mentioned too.
Filipe Luís has already made it clear that Monaco know interest could build. The Monaco head coach admitted Balogun is likely to receive plenty of offers after his impressive season and World Cup campaign, while also stressing he would be very happy to keep him at the club.
Balogun’s World Cup Profile and Barcelona’s Forward Plans
Barcelona’s interest in Balogun can be viewed as part of a wider search for centre-forward options following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. That does not mean Balogun has been chosen as the definitive answer, but it does help explain why his name has come up as the club scans the market.
Julián Álvarez has also been identified as Barcelona’s leading target, so Balogun should be seen as an alternative option rather than the primary move.
Balogun’s World Cup campaign also added to the attention around him. He was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which brought an automatic ban, before the suspension was overturned, clearing him to face Belgium. The handling of that decision drew criticism, but Balogun remained in focus on a major stage and added to his scoring numbers.
Balogun’s club form and World Cup return have increased interest in him.
