FOLARIN Balogun has made a switch to Monaco from Arsenal, both clubs confirmed today.
The United States of America striker with Nigerian heritage reportedly cost the French club £38.7 million and has signed a five-year deal.
“Folarin Balogun has joined Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in a permanent transfer,” Arsenal announced on their official website tonight.
“The 22-year-old forward joined us at the age of 10 and developed through our academy, enjoying success in all age categories in youth football, signing his first professional contract with us in February 2019.
“Folarin made his senior debut for us when he came on as a substitute in our 3-0 home win against Dundalk in the UEFA Europa League in October 2020. It was the same competition which saw Balogun score his first senior goal for the club, just under a month later in a 3-0 away win in Norway against Molde.”
Balogun joined Championship side Middlesbrough on loan in January 2022 for the second half of the 2021/2022 campaign and made 18 appearances, scoring three goals.
His breakthrough came last season while on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims as he finished joint fourth in the French top flight’s goals charts with 21 strikes from his 37 appearances.
Balogun was eligible to play international football for Nigeria and England, but he opted to pledge allegiance to USA, where he was born to Nigeian parents.
He was called up to represent his the US Men’s National Team in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, where he made his debut in the semi-final and went on to score in the final as they defeated Mexico 2-0 to win the trophy.
“We thank Folarin for his contribution to Arsenal, through our academy into the first team, and wish him the best of health and happiness in his new chapter at Monaco,” Arsenal added.
Monaco confirmed Balogun’s arrival with an American motor racing-themed video, paying homage to his country of birth.
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