Sunderland’s £40m chase: can they outbid rivals for Balogun?

Sunderland are in fresh talks to secure Monaco forward Folarin Balogun for a reported £40 million fee, 25‑year‑old. Balogun finished the season with 19 goals for Monaco, establishing himself as a high‑level penalty‑box presence, and he added three goals in four appearances for the United States at the World Cup, an outstanding international return.

He has just two years remaining on his Monaco contract and no extension talks have taken place, creating an opening for clubs ready to move early. That figure is said to be workable for the clubs showing interest.

Sunderland are preparing for their first European campaign in more than a century and are building an ambitious squad, a move that signals the club is thinking at a higher level. The £40 million price tag would represent a major statement of intent.

Newcastle United are also being kept informed, while Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds United and Fulham have all registered interest. Beyond England, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have made enquiries about the striker.

Balogun knows the English game through Arsenal’s academy, and his Ligue 1 development has strengthened the case for a return to English football. His pace, goal‑scoring record and hunger, noted in the report, make him an attractive option for Sunderland. A move would bring him back to the Premier League at the peak of his career.

For Sunderland, signing Balogun for £40 million aligns with their ambition and could transform their attack. For the player, the transfer would offer a chance to re‑establish himself in English football and test his abilities at the highest domestic level.