Borussia Dortmund have identified AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun as a potential summer target, according to German publication Bild. The Bundesliga side are monitoring the United States international, who has found the net three times for the USMNT at the ongoing World Cup, as a contingency should current striker Serhou Guirassy depart Signal Iduna Park this summer.
Dortmund presently expect the Guinea international to remain with the club for the upcoming campaign. However, his contract contains a reported €38 million release clause that could attract interest from elite European teams. Should Guirassy secure a move to a top club, Dortmund would need to activate their interest in alternatives to avoid being left short in attack.
Asllani remains priority target
The German club’s primary objective remains Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, who has emerged as their leading candidate to reinforce the attacking line. The Kosovo international possesses a €30 million release clause in his current deal, making him an accessible target for Dortmund’s recruitment team.
Competition for Asllani is intensifying, with RB Leipzig also pursuing the forward. This rivalry complicates Dortmund’s pursuit, particularly as the 22-year-old is expected to make a decision on his future imminently. Should Leipzig secure his signature or should Asllani opt to remain at Hoffenheim, Dortmund would need to turn to secondary options to fill any vacancy left by Guirassy’s potential exit.
Balogun’s contractual situation
Balogun would only become a serious option for Dortmund if Guirassy leaves and the club fail to secure Asllani’s services. The 23-year-old retains a contract with AS Monaco that runs until 2028, a long-term arrangement that would likely command a significant transfer fee. This positions him as a premium alternative rather than an economical fallback for the Bundesliga outfit.
The coming weeks will prove decisive in determining whether Dortmund must formalise their interest in the American striker. Much depends on Guirassy’s commitment to the club and whether competitors prevail in the race for Asllani. For now, Dortmund officials are maintaining contact with relevant parties while assessing their striking options ahead of the new season.