Former Tottenham goalkeeper Kasey Keller believes Folarin Balogun's standout displays at the FIFA World Cup 2026 have set the stage for a return to English top-flight football — and that such a move would suit the USMNT striker perfectly.

Balogun has attracted widespread attention from clubs across Europe amid mounting speculation about his departure from AS Monaco. Chelsea have reportedly struck a verbal agreement with the forward, while Tottenham, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich Town are also monitoring the situation closely.

London calling

Speaking to Ozoon, Keller argued that a return to the Premier League makes clear sense for Balogun, pointing to both financial and personal reasons. "The Premier League right now can pay you more than anywhere else. You have a very limited time in your career," the former goalkeeper said.

Keller also highlighted Balogun's deep ties to the English capital. "Balogun is an Arsenal guy. He is a London kid. So an opportunity to move back to the capital, if that is right for him, it's right for him."

A word of caution

Despite his enthusiasm for a potential move, Keller was careful to stress that any Premier League club will demand immediate results. "In those clubs you have to still get the job done or they'll find someone else," he warned.

Drawing on his own career — which included becoming the first American to play in the top division in Spain and captaining a side in the Bundesliga — Keller acknowledged the personal rewards of accepting a new challenge. But he also questioned whether chasing a higher-profile move is always the wisest course.

"I wouldn't say anything different if he said, I was at Arsenal, but I'm at a new club now where I'm scoring goals, in a beautiful part of the world, I'm appreciated, I'm wanted. A little extra money — is that more important than being in a good situation in my career?" Keller said.

The question now is whether Balogun, still hungry to prove himself at the highest level, will heed that caution or opt for the bright lights of London.