Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in the post-World Cup market, with Monaco receiving interest from clubs across Europe and the player reported to be keen on a fresh challenge. Any sale could become the second-highest for a U.S. player, behind only Christian Pulisic’s $73 million switch to Chelsea in 2019.

The forward’s profile suits several different needs. Arsenal represent a natural fit. Balogun came through Arsenal ’s academy but was sold without ever really getting a chance in the first team. Two goals in just 209 senior minutes was impressive but Balogun left with a sense of unfinished business with the Gunners. Arsenal spent big on Viktor Gyökeres last summer but ended the season with Kai Havertz as their starting striker, leaving many believing manager Mikel Arteta may not be entirely satisfied with the options available to him. Bringing Balogun, a homegrown talent, back to the club would be a great move for Arsenal, although whether the 24-year-old would accept such a move without a guarantee of regular starts is a different matter. He has, however, spoken glowingly about the opportunity to be closer to family on brief returns to London.

Chelsea remain a potential suitor despite a crowded forward line. João Pedro has been an excellent addition, but Liam Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a massive disappointment and could be coming to an end this summer. Returning loanee Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha add to a bloated forward line. Much will depend on the opinion of new manager Xabi Alonso, who has been given significant influence in Chelsea’s transfer dealings after agreeing to replace Liam Rosenior.

Newcastle could offer minutes and resources. Last summer the Magpies spent heavily on strikers, bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa for around $164 million (£124 million), yet Eddie Howe quickly lost faith in both and is thought to be chasing another starting striker.

Juventus face turnover up front after a mixed window. Jonathan David was solid at best, Loïs Openda is available following a triggered purchase clause, and Dušan Vlahović could depart, creating room for change and a link-up with international teammate McKennie.

Finally, Borussia Dortmund’s record of developing forwards and the chance to capitalise on World Cup momentum make them an appealing option. Across these five destinations, Balogun’s next move will hinge on Monaco’s valuation and the guarantees each club can offer.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, the long-serving Borussia Dortmund president who recruited Erling Haaland, has outlined a measured timeline for the Manchester City striker’s potential move to Real Madrid.

Watzke told Spanish publication AS that Haaland’s admiration for Real is clear but that an immediate transfer is unlikely. “I know very well what he thinks, and I can say that he certainly admires Real Madrid and would like to play for them in the future, but next season he will continue playing for Manchester City. Without a doubt,” he said. Watzke added: “He loves Real Madrid and he doesn’t hide it. I think he’ll be playing there in two or three years, but not that soon. He hasn’t committed to anyone, as his father has said.”

The comments come amid an overheated backdrop at Real Madrid, where presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme named Haaland as a target if he were to replace Florentino Pérez. That pledge was emphatically rejected by the player’s representatives and by Manchester City, which denied any “contractual clause to enable it” and said it was even “considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”

Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, told La Sexta in March: “Everything is going very well for him and we really have nothing to discuss about a transfer when everything is so good at City.” Pimenta has previously said she has never negotiated a player contract without a release clause, but City’s statement and her own admission to ESPN last month that the club gives her “no leverage” have cast doubt on that claim.

With a contract that extends for years at Manchester City, any transfer would require an extraordinary offer or the player pushing for a move. Watzke’s forecast — a switch within two to three years rather than immediately — reflects those practical constraints.

Elsewhere, the Real Madrid vote on June 7 will determine the club’s leadership, a result that could affect future managerial plans. José Mourinho is reported as the candidate to take a three-year managerial deal only if Pérez is re-elected, while Riquelme has named Jürgen Klopp as his choice. Watzke regards Klopp joining Real Madrid this summer as a non-starter.

Goalkeepers are no longer only shot-stoppers. They are required to command their area, organise defence, save penalties and also initiate attacks with accurate passing. That combination of traditional and modern demands can make the difference between progress and early exit at a major tournament.

Bart Verbruggen retained the Netherlands’ No. 1 spot as they reached the Euro 2024 semifinals and is expected to keep that role at the World Cup. He conceded fewer than a goal per game for the Netherlands and recorded a 50% clean sheet rate. His distribution and sweeping ability stand out, drawing comparisons to Manuel Neuer and attracting interest from Europe’s elite.

Jordan Pickford is not the most glamorous name but remains crucial for England. The Everton shot-stopper celebrates saves with characteristic fervour, even screaming “Vamos!” in his distinctive Mackem voice. He often delivers in big moments, producing spectacular saves and performing in penalty shootouts; he might already be seen as a national hero had England’s attackers not faltered in the Euro 2020 final shootout.

Diogo Costa is a modern-day sweeper-keeper, comfortable with the ball at his feet and vital to Portugal’s possession style. He offers precise short and long passing and is an exceptional penalty specialist, saving over a quarter of spot-kicks he has faced for club and country (excluding shootouts). In Euro 2024 he repelled all three of Slovenia’s penalties in the round of 16, a feat not previously achieved at the European Championships.

Manuel Neuer, now in his forties, remains among the world’s best. As Bayern Munich stormed to another Bundesliga title in 2025–26, Neuer continued to excel with the aggressive sweeper-keeper game he helped pioneer. His reflexes may have dipped but his reading of the game, command of the penalty area and ability on the ball remain world class.

Switzerland moved on following Yann Sommer’s international retirement in 2024 and have Gregor Kobel as a capable successor. The 6’5″ Borussia Dortmund keeper conceded just two goals in five qualifying appearances and finished the club season with a Bundesliga-high 15 clean sheets, reinforcing his standing among Europe’s elite shot-stoppers.

Forget Lionel Messi—it was Emiliano Martínez who was truly Argentina’s hero in the 2022 World Cup final. He made a last-gasp added-time save to deny France a winner, got a glove to Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout and used mind games ahead of Aurélien Tchouaméni’s miss. Martínez has continued to deliver for Aston Villa, helping them to a top-four Premier League finish and the Europa League title in 2025–26.

Alisson Becker remained reliable for Liverpool in an injury-disrupted campaign, excelling in one-on-one situations and offering pinpoint distribution. Heading into the tournament he has five clean sheets in nine World Cup appearances and 44 shutouts in 77 caps for Brazil.

Mike Maignan wears the No. 16 shirt for France but is his country’s first-choice keeper. Despite AC Milan’s torrid 2025–26 season, Maignan ranked among Serie A’s top performers for clean sheets, saves made and penalties saved. His reflexes mark him out as a truly elite shot-stopper and a strong World Cup could accelerate talk of a move away from San Siro.