Chelsea Get Go-Ahead to Sign Folarin Balogun After Standout World Cup Run

Chelsea have been cleared to make a move for Folarin Balogun as Monaco line up a replacement for the United States forward. Balogun, 25, was the standout performer for the USMNT during their World Cup campaign before a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina turned everything upside down. He had scored three goals in the first four matches, but his dismissal led to a political firestorm when President Donald Trump personally intervened to get the one-match ban overturned. FIFA buckled under the pressure, but the controversy seemed to weigh on the team — Belgium, fueled by a sense of injustice, thrashed the US 4-1 in the round of 16. Despite the early exit, Balogun’s stock rose. He handled the difficult situation with class, and his form in front of goal was undeniable. The former Arsenal academy product finished the 2025/26 season with 19 goals in all competitions for Monaco, including a stretch of eight straight Ligue 1 scoring games between February and April. According to Foot Mercato, Monaco need to generate funds to balance the books and are open to selling. The Ligue 1 side, now managed by former Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis, have already started looking for a replacement. A €15 million bid for Nantes winger Mathis Abline was turned down, but talks continue. Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko is also on the list. Balogun’s price tag remains unclear, but his Estimated Transfer Value sits at €25.6 million. Chelsea now have the green light to push ahead with a deal.