When Arsenal decided to sell Folarin Balogun to AS Monaco late in the last summer transfer window for €30m, it was a move that sparked plenty of debate among the fanbase.
Many supporters were frustrated that the prolific youth striker never really got a chance in the Arsenal first team, despite his impressive performances at the academy level and during loan spells.
The deal also included €10m in potential performance-related add-ons and a 17.5% sell-on clause, but how has the young striker performed since making the switch to Ligue 1?
Monaco’s US forward #29 Folarin Balogun shoots a second penalty during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and OGC Nice at the Louis II Stadium in the Principality of Monaco on September 22, 2023. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Balogun’s performance at Monaco
So far, Balogun has played 33 games for Monaco, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists, while receiving only one yellow card.
He averages 61 minutes per game, so, while he’s been a regular feature in the squad, he hasn’t consistently played full matches.
Looking at the breakdown of his appearances, Balogun has been heavily involved in Monaco’s Ligue 1 campaign.
In the 2023/24 season, he featured in 29 league matches, scoring seven goals and assisting six times. He started 20 games, came off the bench in 10, and was left on the bench just once.
Importantly, he missed two games due to injury but was otherwise always available for selection.
In the Coupe de France, he played in three matches, starting each one, scoring once, and adding an assist.
Balogun’s role at Monaco
Reims’ forward Junya Ito (L) fights for the ball with Monaco’s forward #29 Folarin Balogun (R) during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and AS Monaco at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northern France on October 7, 2023. (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images)
At Monaco, Balogun has found himself competing with established forwards, meaning he hasn’t always been the go-to striker in the lineup.
His 61-minute average per game reflects a rotational role, but he’s still been able to impact matches even when starting from the bench. His seven assists indicate he’s been more involved in creating opportunities for others, expanding his game beyond simply being a goalscorer.
Balogun’s versatility and willingness to link up play have been key factors in how he’s been used by Monaco’s management.
While his goalscoring numbers may not be as eye-catching as his time at Reims (where he netted 22 goals in 39 games on loan), he’s still been a valuable asset in Monaco’s push up the table in Ligue 1.
Balogun and the USAMNT
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA: Folarin Balogun of the United States looks on against Oman at Allianz Field on September 12, 2023. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
Since leaving Arsenal and switching international allegiance to the United States, Folarin Balogun has quickly become a key figure for the USMNT.
He made his senior debut on June 16, 2023, in a CONCACAF Nations League match against Mexico, scoring his first goal for the team in that tournament not long before he left Arsenal.
Since then, Balogun has earned 15 caps, scoring five goals across friendlies, the Nations League, and Copa América.
His performances have added a much-needed goalscoring threat to the USMNT’s attack, showcasing his development on the international stage.
Arsenal’s decision to sell
Folarin Balogun signing his new long-term contract with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
For Arsenal, the decision to sell Balogun came down to several factors.
With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already competing for the central striker role, opportunities for Balogun were limited.
The club’s summer spending also required them to generate funds, and a €30m fee for a player who had yet to fully establish himself at the Emirates was hard to turn down.
Nevertheless, the structure of the deal, with significant add-ons and a 17.5% sell-on clause, shows that Arsenal are still backing Balogun to succeed at the highest level.
If Monaco decide to move him on for a substantial fee in the future, Arsenal stand to benefit financially.
Looking ahead for Balogun
Monaco’s US forward #29 Folarin Balogun celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Olympique de Marseille at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on September 30, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
As Balogun continues to develop at Monaco, the focus will likely be on improving his consistency and goal output. At just 22 years old, there’s plenty of room for growth, and his experience in a competitive league like Ligue 1 is invaluable.
His role at Monaco may continue to evolve as he gains more trust from the coaching staff and adapts further to the demands of top-tier European football.
For now, the narrative surrounding Balogun remains a mix of potential and unfulfilled promise.
While some Arsenal fans may still feel a sense of what could have been, his journey at Monaco is only just beginning.
With the new season just starting, there’s every chance that Balogun could hit his stride and begin to replicate the prolific form that made him one of Arsenal’s most exciting young talents.
Final verdict
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 18: Folarin Balogun #26 of Arsenal FC looks on during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
In conclusion, while Balogun’s time at Monaco hasn’t been headline-grabbing in terms of goals, it has shown a player adapting to a new environment and developing other aspects of his game.
Arsenal’s decision to cash in on the young striker might have disappointed some fans, but it was a calculated move considering the depth in their squad and the financial benefits involved.
As Balogun continues to progress, his performance could yet vindicate Arsenal’s faith in negotiating a substantial sell-on clause in the deal.
The future remains bright for Balogun, and as his story unfolds in France, Arsenal will be keeping a close eye on how their former prospect evolves on the big stage.
