United States of America forward Folarin Balogun 20 celebrates after scoring a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in round 32 of the IFA World Cup 2026 game at Levi Stadium
United States of America forward Folarin Balogun 20 celebrates after scoring a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in round 32 of the IFA World Cup 2026 game at Levi Stadium
Folarin Balogun is more likely to join a Serie A club than return to the Premier League in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
Balogun looked set to seal a return to English football in the summer as he closed in on a £30million move to Everton from Monaco.
The 25-year-old then walked out of the Toffees' Finch Farm training ground at the eleventh hour on Deadline Day to stay with the Ligue 1 club.
He chose to stay for this season but remains keen to leave Monaco after recently admitting that a Premier League move is still at the forefront of his mind.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, he is more likely to seal a Serie A switch than join a Premier League club in January.
Juventus are believed to be interested in Balogun, with Tottenham continuing to be linked after registering their interest in the summer.
Folarin Balogun is edging closer to Serie A move after Everton saga
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Everton have moved on from Balogun after he burnt bridges with the club following his shock decision to snub a summer move.
He is a priority target for Juve and will seemingly have to wait longer to fulfil his Premier League dream after struggling to ever break into Arsenal's senior side.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think most reports recently are suggesting that a move to Juventus probably is the most likely destination for Balogun. The Italian giants are looking to strengthen their attacking options, and Balogun is right at the top of the list right now as well.
"I would say clubs in Italy are leading that race for his signature, probably more than the Premier League teams, ahead of the January window."
Balogun snub could be a blessing in disguise for Everton
Everton fans will be rueing Balogun's decision to snub a move, but he has not exactly continued his fine form from last term into this campaign.
He has only played 71 minutes for Monaco so far this season amid injury concerns, and is yet to start a game despite being fit for four substitute appearances.
During his last extended cameo from the bench in a 1-0 loss to Lorient, the USA striker had just one shot on target, lost all three of his attempted ground duels and committed a foul.
He has failed to create a chance across any of his outings and effectively looks a shell of the player he was last term.