The potential signing of Folarin Balogun, who recently appointed Jorge Mendes as his agent, could hint at a possible formation change at Tottenham Hotspur.
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Christian Pulisic #10 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Christian Pulisic #10 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California
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Dominic Solanke could still be one of the first names on the teamsheet even if Tottenham Hotspur sign Folarin Balogun. The Monaco striker has suddenly been linked with a move to the Lilywhites as Roberto De Zerbi looks to further bolster his backline.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, Spurs are interested in signing Balogun, whose contract at Stade Louis II expires in June 2028. The report claims Tottenham have 'laid the groundwork for discussions' regarding a potential transfer, which could cost in the region of €60 (£51.2m).
It's said that the United States international has attracted interest from Newcastle United, too. The Magpies, as well as other English clubs, have been 'closely monitoring' the situation since the start of the summer.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not the Lilywhites make a move for Balogun, with three senior strikers already on the books. The Hale End graduate would, on paper, pose a threat to the minutes of Solanke, as well as Mathys Tel, who initially featured centrally under De Zerbi before a wave of injuries struck Hotspur Way, and Richarlison.
But De Zerbi could very well deploy a two-man strike force. At the World Cup in the summer, Mauricio Pochettino paired Balogun with Ricardo Pepi in a group-stage clash against Australia, and it was a roaring success, with the co-hosts waltzing away 2-0 victors.
Commenting on the partnership, the USMNT head coach said: "You see, he can play with another striker, he can play alone. He has an unbelievable capacity to create chances and score goals.
"Yes. Today, he and Flo made an unbelievable show for the team. We are so happy with both," Pochettino added. "They were fantastic."
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun has been linked with a move away from Monaco(Image: Doug Zimmerman/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Balogun has previously played on the wing, too, first during his time in the Arsenal academy, then sparingly across loan spells at Middlesbrough and Stade Reims. He even appeared on the left on one occasion for Monaco last season.
Speaking to The Guardian back in October 2025, Balogun explained how his transition from winger to striker aided his development. The 25-year-old said: "I think movement as a winger is obviously key.
"If you want to score goals, you can’t just always stay out wide. You need to have a variety of runs to attack the middle of the field, where you can score.
Folarin Balogun of USA (Image: Getty)
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"And as I’ve moved to the striker position, I’ve always said that I’m an unorthodox sort of striker, because naturally it wasn’t where I grew up playing, so I would always look to exploit spaces."
Although Solanke may be looking over his shoulder, De Zerbi has suggested that he'll remain his first-choice striker. Speaking recently to football.london, the Tottenham boss said: "I like him as a player, I like him as a guy.
"There are not many strikers better than Dom Solanke in the Premier League. I think he changes the quality of performances depending on the confidence he feels. First of all, we have to finish the transfer market, and then we speak better about Solanke.
Dominic Solanke returned to action in the friendly between Chelsea and Tottenham at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday
Dominic Solanke returned to action in the friendly between Chelsea and Tottenham at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday
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"Anyway, I want to keep him, because I like him as a player, he's complete as a striker. He can attack the space, he can cover the ball, he's able with the ball to link, he's able to score 15-20 goals in Premier League."
With Solanke firmly in De Zerbi's plans, the potential signing of Balogun could hint at a change in formation. Or, the Monaco talisman could be viewed as a wide option, and possibly the key to unlocking the Tottenham number 19. Only time will tell...