Folarin Balogun is joining AS Monaco in Ligue 1 after a successful loan spell at Stade de Reims, where he scored 22 goals last season. His impressive performance caught the attention of the USMNT, and he ultimately chose Monaco over England and Nigeria. The transfer was announced on Wednesday, with Balogun signing a long-term contract for around $43 million. Monaco is a great fit for Balogun, and he is seen as an upgrade to last year’s Reims side.
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Balogun’s move to Stade Louis II is an excellent opportunity for him to continue his development, as he is expected to have regular playing time due to Breel Embolo’s injury. Monaco has also lost Kevin Volland, who returned to the Bundesliga, and Wissam Ben Yedder is facing rape allegations. While not being able to participate in UEFA competitions is not ideal, Balogun has a clear pathway to becoming Monaco’s main attacking figure. He will need to provide more goals and assists than Embolo and Ben Yedder did last season.
With his recent inclusion in the USMNT and rumored interests from Inter and Milan over the summer, Monaco quickly became the frontrunners to sign Balogun. Arsenal has been demanding a substantial fee, and Monaco was willing to meet their demands. This move aligns well with Monaco’s project and their focus on talent development.
For USMNT fans, Balogun’s performance in Ligue 1 will be interesting to watch, as he may need to add more involvement in build-up play while maintaining his finishing skills. His transition from working under Will Still to new manager Hutter will also be worth noting. Hutter brings different experience and a different soccer culture to enrich Balogun’s development. While it may not have been the expected move, it has the potential to benefit all parties involved.
