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Folarin Balogun 2025Getty
Moataz Elgammal

Aston Villa and FC Barcelona join Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer battle for Folarin Balogun

Transfers
F. Balogun
Aston Villa
Barcelona
Tottenham Hotspur
Monaco
Premier League
LaLiga

Aston Villa and Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign United States international Folarin Balogun from Monaco. Tottenham Hotspur are already in negotiations over a €60 million deal for the prolific striker, but they now face fierce competition from both the Premier League side and the Spanish club ahead of the rapidly approaching transfer deadline.

  • Aston Villa and Barcelona enter the race

    Balogun has become one of the most sought-after players this transfer window following an exceptional campaign. According to French publication L'Equipe, Aston Villa and Barcelona have now registered concrete interest in acquiring the Monaco forward. Tottenham Hotspur had previously stepped up their search for attacking reinforcements by launching formal discussions over a €60 million transfer.

    However, Spurs are no longer the sole contenders for the 25-year-old. Balogun scored 19 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions for Monaco last season. He also delivered excellent performances for the United States at the recent World Cup, making him a prime target for several top European clubs as the market nears its close on September 1.

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    Searching for attacking reinforcements

    Villa are closely monitoring the market in case Ollie Watkins departs for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, Barcelona are desperately seeking attacking reinforcements after parting ways with both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

    The Spanish club have turned their attention to Balogun to rebuild their frontline. Monaco are reportedly willing to cash in on their prized asset to fund further recruitment, following a similar path to when Maghnes Akliouche left for Paris Saint-Germain. Spurs also have alternative targets, such as Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, but Balogun remains a priority.

  • Monaco desperate to keep their star

    Despite the mounting interest from England and Spain, Monaco head coach Filipe Luis remains desperate to keep his key man. Speaking recently about the striker, Luis explained the situation and acknowledged the inevitable bids. "He is one of our players. I know he’s going to receive a lot of offers given his last season and his World Cup performance," Luis stated.

    "He’s a special player. You don’t find many players on the market with his attributes. If he stays, I’ll be really, really happy to have him with us." Balogun missed the recent 3-2 Europa Conference League playoff victory over Gornik Zabrze in Poland but has been registered on the UEFA squad list.

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    What next for Balogun?

    Tottenham, Villa, and Barcelona must act quickly to meet the €60m asking price before the transfer window officially closes on September 1. Balogun is expected to return to team training shortly, and a decision on his involvement in the upcoming Ligue 1 match against Le Havre on Sunday is imminent as his long-term future hangs in the balance.