USMNT Transfer Notebook: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi & Sebastian Berhalter headline potential summer moves

The transfer market is gathering pace once again following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and several United States internationals are attracting strong interest across Europe.

From Folarin Balogun’s growing list of admirers to Sebastian Berhalter’s completed move and Ricardo Pepi’s uncertain future, several members of the USMNT could be wearing new colours before the summer window closes.

Sebastian Berhalter completes deserved European move

Sebastian Berhalter has already secured his next chapter after joining Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough from the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The move reunites the midfielder with close friend Aidan Morris and offers him the opportunity to establish himself in English football after impressing in MLS.

Vancouver also benefit financially, receiving approximately $2 million for a player whose contract was approaching its expiration.

Now the challenge begins for Berhalter, who will aim to prove he belongs at Championship level while strengthening his case to remain a regular part of the USMNT midfield heading into the next international cycle.

Max Arfsten could follow to England

Another Columbus Crew product attracting Championship interest is Max Arfsten.

Middlesbrough have been strongly linked with the versatile left-sided player, who has previously admitted that playing in Europe remains one of his career ambitions.

Although Arfsten insists his immediate focus remains with Columbus Crew, growing speculation suggests negotiations could accelerate before the transfer deadline.

Following an impressive MLS campaign and valuable World Cup experience, the 25-year-old appears ready to test himself overseas.

Folarin Balogun becomes one of America’s hottest properties

No American player’s stock has risen more dramatically this summer than Folarin Balogun’s.

The Monaco striker enjoyed an outstanding World Cup campaign, further enhancing a reputation that was already growing after another productive season in Ligue 1.

Off the pitch, Balogun has also made headlines by signing with Klutch Sports, the agency founded by Rich Paul that represents some of the biggest names in global sport.

The move is expected to boost both his commercial profile and his transfer prospects.

Europe’s elite monitoring Balogun

Several clubs are reportedly keeping close tabs on Balogun’s situation.

Among the sides linked with the striker are:

• Juventus
• Borussia Dortmund
• Sunderland

Monaco’s participation in the UEFA Conference League rather than the Champions League could make retaining their star forward increasingly difficult if a major European club submits a significant offer.

With Balogun entering his prime at 25, this summer could present the ideal opportunity for both player and club to consider a high-profile move.

Ricardo Pepi facing another important decision

Ricardo Pepi also enters the summer with uncertainty surrounding his future.

Despite continuing to develop into one of the United States’ leading forwards, consistent first-team football remains essential if he hopes to cement his place as the USMNT’s long-term No.9.

Any transfer decision is likely to prioritise regular minutes over prestige, especially with World Cup qualification and another international cycle already underway.

Busy weeks ahead for the USMNT stars

With European leagues preparing to begin their new seasons, several American internationals could still complete significant transfers before the window closes.

Balogun appears the most likely headline-maker after his outstanding World Cup performances, while Berhalter has already secured his move and players like Arfsten and Pepi continue to assess their next career steps.

As the market develops, the USMNT could begin the 2026-27 campaign with several of its key players taking on new challenges across Europe.

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