Team USA star Folarin Balogun is a man in demand despite being at the centre of the World Cup’s biggest controversy.
The 25-year old striker made international headlines when US President Donald Trump successfully lobbied for FIFA to freeze his suspension following a red card in the Americans’ Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Despite underwhelming in the team’s humbling 4-1 loss to Belgium, Balogun’s tournament, which featured a double against Paraguay in the group stage, was impressive enough to spark a bidding war between several European giants.
According to multiple reports, Premier League powerhouses Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as Paris Saint-German, are among the clubs vying for Balogun’s signature.
Spurs are considered the frontrunners for his signature as they look to address their struggles in attack.
The rising star signed with French Ligue 1 club Monaco in 2023 after beginning his career as part of Arsenal’s Academy, where he made his Premier League debut in 2021.
He was named Monaco’s 2025/26 Player of the Season after scoring 19 goals across all competitions, including a run of goals in eight consecutive league games.
£100M SIGNING SMASHES SPURS RECORD
Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali has signed a record-breaking deal with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Newcastle United star is the centrepiece of Spurs’ historic cash-splash following a disastrous 2025/26 season in which they narrowly avoided relegation with a 17th-placed finish.
The £100 million (A$134m) signing is the biggest in Spurs history, and follows hot on the heels of Mateus Fernandes signing an £85 million (A$114m) deal, which held the club signing record for mere days.
The signings mark a drastic change from the Spurs’ old transfer policy, in which managers like Ange Postecoglou have been heavily hamstrung and forced to work with more affordable buys.
Tonali has cited family reasons behind his wish to move to London.
The 26-year old took to Instagram to confirm his departure and thank the Toons for his three-year stint, which included the 2025 EFL Cup final triumph to end the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
“This city gave me more than football. It gave me a home, moments I’ll hold onto forever, and people I will always be grateful for,” he said.
Ex-teammate Joelinton wrote back in response: “All the best for the future fratello mio … see you on 29th August.”
That’s the date Tonali will take on Newcastle for the first time in Spurs colours.
STALEMATE LOOMS IN TOON SKIPPER’S BID TO JOIN CHAMPIONS
Newcastle captain and Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes has requested a transfer to reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.
The 28-year old created unwanted history at the World Cup as part of a Brazilian team that shockingly lost to Norway in the round of 16, missing a crucial first-half penalty – the nation’s first penalty miss outside shootouts at the prestige tournament since 1986.
Guimaraes is contracted for another two years, while the Toons have maintained amid swirling rumours of rival interest that the captain isn’t up for grabs.
The club is yet to comment publicly, but it has been reported that a verbal £60 million offer from the Gunners for Guimaraes was swiftly rejected.
Protracted negotiations seem inevitable, with the Toons seeking a payout of up to £100 million, matching what they received from Tottenham Hotspur for Sandro Tonali.
MAN UTD, CHELSEA AGREE ON DEAL FOR BRAZILIAN
Manchester United have secured a £50 million deal for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.
While the deal is yet to be finalised, it has been reported that the 22-year old’s move is all but done, with a medical set up with his new club following the Brazilian’s exit from the World Cup.
Santos is keen for more game time having been on the fringes at Chelsea.
A total of £2 million of the deal will be add-ons, according to reports.
United’s next priority is to finalise a permanent move for Marcus Rashford, after Barcelona declined the option to retain him following his loan to the Spanish superpower.
They will not loan the 28-year old out for a second year running, with Rashford keen on joining a club playing in the Champions League next season despite interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
SURPRISE NEW CONTENDER IN SALAH RACE
Mo Salah’s footballing future could take a surprise twist, with the Liverpool icon attracting heavy interest from an unlikely source.
Atletico Madrid is seen to be leading the race for the 34-year old, who is departing the Reds after a celebrated decade-long stint in Merseyside.
Italian Serie A giants Juventus and Roma have also long been linked to the Egyptian great, while Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad offered a £150 million transfer fee for Salah in 2023 that Liverpool knocked back and remain keen.
However, several US Major League Soccer clubs have also registered their interest, according to reports, with Salah front and centre in North America during Egypt’s run to the World Cup round of 16, which featured a penalty shootout win over the Socceroos and controversial loss to Argentina.
Cashed-up powerhouses LA Galaxy or New York City FC would appear to be the likeliest destinations should Salah take his career stateside, but there remains the possibility of a move to Inter Miami – and a salivating combination with fellow champion Lionel Messi.