Osimhen vs Balogun: 3 reasons Super Eagles striker beats USMNT star for Tottenham move

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up different options as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his attack before the new Premier League season, Afrik-Foot reports.

AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as one possible signing, while Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen remains a big target despite the financial challenges involved.

Both forwards have enjoyed productive spells in recent seasons, but their styles offer different qualities. Looking at Tottenham’s current squad and De Zerbi’s tactical ideas, Osimhen appears to be the player who could have the greater impact.

Balogun offered to Tottenham as Spurs search for attacking depth

Balogun has been offered to Tottenham through intermediaries as the United States international looks for a route back to English football.

The 25-year-old has three years left on his Monaco contract, which runs until June 2028, and the Ligue 1 club values him at around €50 million (£43 million).

Representatives acting for the striker contacted Spurs to make them aware that he could be available for what has been described as a competitive transfer fee.

De Zerbi wants another striker to compete with Dominic Solanke and increase Tottenham’s attacking options across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and domestic cup competitions.

Although Spurs see Balogun as a genuine option, they have not opened formal talks with Monaco. Balogun enjoyed another productive campaign in France, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. He also found the net three times for the United States during their FIFA World Cup campaign.

A move would also make for an interesting North London story. Balogun spent 15 years in Arsenal’s academy before leaving for Monaco in a €40 million transfer in 2023, meaning a switch to Tottenham would see him join Arsenal’s biggest rivals.

Osimhen remains one of Tottenham’s leading targets

While Balogun is available, Tottenham continue pushing to land one of Europe’s most feared strikers. The club have already made an initial approach worth between £50 million and £55 million for Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen after De Zerbi identified the Nigerian as a priority signing.

Galatasaray are demanding more than £65 million, with the Turkish champions determined to keep hold of the striker who inspired them to consecutive Süper Lig titles. Personal terms are not expected to be the biggest obstacle. Instead, Tottenham must bridge the gap in transfer fee while also finding a solution to Osimhen’s salary, which exceeds €20 million per season under his current deal running until June 2029.

De Zerbi believes Osimhen would complete his rebuilt attack after Tottenham invested more than £230 million on new signings, including Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes.

The Nigeria international, who is open to leaving Galatasaray, would also arrive with outstanding recent numbers. He scored 15 goals and supplied five assists in 22 Süper Lig matches during the 2025-26 season, while adding seven goals and three assists in 10 UEFA Champions League appearances.

Interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid means Tottenham could face strong competition if negotiations move forward.

Why Osimhen suits Tottenham better than Balogun

His physical style perfectly matches De Zerbi’s system

De Zerbi demands a striker who can stretch opposition defences, battle centre-backs and lead the press from the front. Osimhen offers all three qualities. Standing at 6ft 1in, he combines pace, strength and excellent aerial ability, allowing him to occupy defenders and create space for attacking midfielders and wide players.

Balogun is quicker over short distances and technically sharp in tight spaces, but he prefers drifting into deeper areas rather than constantly pinning defenders inside their own penalty area. That difference makes Osimhen a more natural fit for the aggressive, front-foot football De Zerbi wants Tottenham to play.

His goal record is stronger on every stage

Both players scored regularly last season, but Osimhen produced better numbers despite playing fewer league matches. He scored 15 league goals in just 22 appearances for Galatasaray, compared to Balogun’s 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 games for Monaco.

European competition also favours the Nigerian. Osimhen struck seven times in 10 Champions League matches, while Balogun managed five goals in the same number of games. International football tells a similar story. Osimhen scored four goals during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, while Balogun registered three goals for the United States at the World Cup.

Those numbers show Osimhen consistently delivers in high-pressure matches against stronger opponents.

He can become Tottenham’s next superstar striker

Tottenham already have Dominic Solanke, meaning any new striker must either be a clear improvement or a long-term backup. Osimhen fits the first category.

His relentless pressing, explosive runs behind defenders and ability to score in different ways give Spurs the kind of centre-forward they have searched for since Harry Kane left the club. Balogun would strengthen the squad and provide healthy competition, but Osimhen has the qualities to transform Tottenham into genuine contenders in England and Europe.

The higher transfer fee and bigger wages make the deal more complicated, yet the potential reward is equally greater. If Spurs are serious about challenging for major trophies under De Zerbi, Osimhen looks like the striker best equipped to lead that ambition.