Everton have Folarin Balogun in their sights as Richarlison doubts emerge

Folarin Balogun has emerged as a potential Richarlison alternative for Everton.

The latter has been linked with a return to the Blues all summer, and it looked set to materialise in the final few days of the window.

Everton are understood to have agreed a deal for Richarlison, with a separate deal seeing Iliman Ndiaye go the other way.

It is understood that personal terms and medicals are the next moves for that to be sealed.

However, they could turn their attention to Balogun, after a new update emerged.

Deadline Day on Goodison News is powered by ASUS laptops. Save up to 40% on selected models, with free extras worth over £100 also available on selected laptops. Click here to shop.

What is the latest on Everton and Folarin Balogun?

Everton may well have doubts over Richarlison's injury record.

He has missed 74 games for club and country in his time in North London, which is definitely a concern.

The Times' Paul Joyce claimed on Sunday that the Merseysiders hold a "strong interest" in Balogun.

His report mentions Richarlison's injury record and states that the L3 outfit have also been pursuing the Monaco forward to add to their front line.

Who is the better signing for Everton?

Balogun has notched 31 goals and 13 assists in 91 matches with the Ligue 1 side

He also managed to grab three goals and one assist in four World Cup matches during the tournament this summer.

In comparison, Richarlison has managed 32 goals and 15 assists in 134 matches for the N17 side.

That suggests that Balogun would be the better signing, as he has a similar record in less games while playing for a team in one of Europe's top-five leagues.

The 31-cap United States international has earned the approval of his national team boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking in October 2025, the former Tottenham boss said: “Always a striker need to fill the net, and his work ethic is amazing in the way that he always is available in every single aspect of the game, with and without the ball."

He is also four years younger than the Spurs man, so that may appeal to the Friedkin Group and the recruitment team.

He already has experience in the English football system, as he spent 14 years at Arsenal, making 10 appearances for the Gunners' senior side.

If he could bring what he already knows to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it could prove to be a solid investment for the Toffees.