USMNT transfer window yields mixed results as Balogun deal collapses
The European summer transfer window closed with significant movement for American players, including a high-profile withdrawal by Folarin Balogun and new contracts for Zavier Gozo, Gio Reyna, and Sebastian Berhalter.
The European summer transfer window concluded on Tuesday evening, marking a period of significant institutional reshuffling for players associated with the United States men’s national team. While five regulars secured new positions across European leagues, the window ended with a notable setback for the squad’s most prominent figure, Folarin Balogun.
Balogun, who emerged as the breakout star for the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with three goals in four games, was poised to join Everton from Monaco in a deal valued at over $50 million. The 25-year-old arrived at the Merseyside club’s training ground to finalise the move, but last-minute complications caused the transfer to collapse. Consequently, Balogun is expected to remain at Monaco until the January window, missing the UEFA Champions League after the French club finished seventh in the top flight last term.
In contrast, several other national team members completed successful relocations. Zavier Gozo moved from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace, joining the Premier League side after scoring 10 goals in 42 Major League Soccer games. The 19-year-old made his debut for the London club in a recent loss to Manchester City.
Gio Reyna also transitioned leagues, leaving Borussia Mönchengladbach for Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1. The 23-year-old signed a five-year contract worth $3.5 million, ending a seven-year stint in the German Bundesliga. Reyna, who scored in the United States’ opening World Cup victory against Paraguay, has already featured in central midfield for his new club.
Sebastian Berhalter completed a move from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Middlesbrough. The midfielder, who scored in the United States’ group stage match against Türkiye, joined the English second-tier club in late July. He immediately entered the starting lineup under coach Kim Hellberg, aiming to assist Middlesbrough in their bid for promotion to the Premier League.
These transfers highlight the broader integration of American talent into European football structures, even as the failure of the Balogun deal underscores the volatility of high-value international transfers.
