In the summer transfer window, we have seen many high-profile transfers. However, one transfer that went under the radar was Florian Balogun’s move to Ligue 1. The American striker made a move from Arsenal to AS Monaco.
Balogun was provided with two different golden chances to get on the scoresheet in his debut match, but unfortunately, he failed to do so. The fans are not happy about his performance, and the 22-year-old would love to forget the horrendous night.
Folarin Balogun misses two penalties for Monaco debut
AS Monaco faced OCG Nice on September 23. Monaco was at the top of the table, and winning this match would further strengthen their position, giving them a five-point lead. Luck seemed to be on their side as the away side’s defender, Jordan Lotomba, gave away a penalty in the 12th minute. Folarin Balogun stepped up to take the shot, but Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka met his shot and saved it.
The fortune gods blessed him once again when Morgan Sanson fouled Takumi Minamino inside the box in the 56th minute, and Balogun was given yet another penalty. Unfortunately, Monaco’s new striker failed once more, shattering the hopes of thousands of fans.
Monaco did not get a third chance, and Nice got the last laugh, scoring a late goal in extra time, stealing the top spot from Monaco.
Coach Adi Hutter protected his players, telling the media that he would keep them in the future: “He (Balogun) was unlucky tonight. He is also very frustrated. He is a young striker and he will help us in the future,” said Hutter.
What is Folarin Balogun’s Arsenal-Monaco transfer deal?
Folarin Balogun is an American-Nigerian football player who has been in the game for years now. The striker has represented both England and the USA on an international level. His caregiver has taken him places, and he has been a part of several clubs from different leagues.
Balogun has been with Arsenal since he was eight years old. He was on their U18 and U23 teams as well. He finally made his debut for the first team in September 2019. It seems like the club did not have a place for him in their squad, as they kept loaning him out again and again. He went to Middlesbrough in January 2022 and to Reims in August 2022.
The American forward has now made a permanent move to AS Monaco on a five-year contract. According to Sky Sports, the deal was initially valued at £25.7 million, but Arsenal, who returned to the UEFA Champions League after six years of absence, could receive add-ons worth £8.6 million, which could take the deal to a total of £34.3 million.
So far, the 22-year-old has not given AS Monaco their money’s worth, and he really needs to step up his game if he wants to get on the fans’ good side.
