Fulham have made an approach to sign AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun this summer, and there are signs a deal could be possible.
Although Balgoun controversially had a red card overturned, after an intervention from President Donald Trump, Balogun impressed for the USMNT at the World Cup, picking up three goals and one assist in four appearances, and his side made it to the round of 16 stage.
Once lauded as “incredible” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the American also caught the eye for Monaco last season, picking up 19 goals and five assists in 43 matches across all competitions, following up a debut campaign in which he found the net four times in 13 Ligue 1 games.
Ex-Monaco boss Sébastien Pocognoli has suggested the level of the 25-year-old’s performances stems from his effort behind the scenes, saying: “I think his level of performance is pushing all of the players in his sector of the pitch. He is simply reaping the rewards of his hard work. He is ambitious, focused, professional… in the end, you reap what you sew.”
As such, despite failing to make the grade at Arsenal, the striker could now be ready for the chance to prove himself in the Premier League, and a number of English sides are in the race for his signature.
Fulham now in contention to sign Folarin Balogun
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Fulham have now made an approach to sign Balogun, with Monaco prepared to sanction a departure for £40m this summer.
However, Shahid Khan & co may have to fend off rival interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds United and Fulham, who are also credited with an interest.
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Why Fulham need to sign Folarin Balogun |
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Raul Jimenez’s departure |
Raul Jimenez’s three-year stint at Craven Cottage came to an end earlier this summer, which could be a blow for Arbeloa. The Mexican scored 26 Premier League goals for the Cottagers since his arrival in the summer of 2023, including nine last season, but he has now joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, exacerbating the need to sign a new striker. |
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Performances for Monaco and USMNT |
Balogun could be a worthy replacement, having proven himself for club and country. The Brooklyn-born striker has 12 goals to his name in 31 caps for the USMNT, while a record of 45 goals and 14 assists in 109 Ligue 1 appearances across spells with Monaco and Reims is also impressive. |
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Lack of goals last season |
Fulham ran out of steam in their pursuit of Europe last season, and a lack of goals could be partly to blame. Under the helm of Marco Silva, they mustered up just 47 goals, which was fewer than Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, who both remained candidates for relegation until a very late stage of the season. |
Aside from signing a new striker, the Cottagers are also eager to strengthen out wide, and former winger Martial Godo, who now plays for RC Strasbourg, has emerged as a target.
