Ex-Arsenal striker who caused a major stir at the World Cup offered to Man Utd
Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign unsettled Monaco star Folarin Balogun in January.
The Red Devils are desperate for attacking reinforcement, as Benjamin Sesko is expected to remain on the sidelines for at least another two months, while Joshua Zirkzee has yet to earn Michael Carrick’s trust.
The manager has been mostly relying on Bryan Mbeumo up front, but the disastrous results prove that this manoeuvre, among many others, isn’t paying dividends.
Folarin Balogun offered to Man United
In recent days, several reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano, have confirmed Man Utd’s desire to recruit a new centre-forward in January.
The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell mentioned Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a profile appreciated by INEOS, but Leeds United are unlikely to sell him in mid-season, especially to their old rivals.
Therefore, Jason Wilcox and Co. will try to find a striker who is available on the market, as Balogun emerges as a possible solution.
According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, super agent Jorge Mendes is looking to find a new club for the USMNT international in January after falling out with Monaco.
The 25-year-old was on the cusp of sealing a move to Everton in the summer, only for the transfer to collapse at the eleventh hour. The Toffees tried to panic-buy Zirkzee in the final hours of the deadline day, but United refused to sanction the deal, as they didn’t have enough time to find a replacement.
In the end, Balogun ended up staying at the French principality, but he’s been demoted to a back-up role, with young striker Paris Brunner taking his place on the pitch.
While Mendes and Co. have offered the American striker to several clubs, Man Utd is the first name mentioned by the source. The other options are Leeds United, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, in addition to Serie A giants Juventus.
Balogun’s background & Donald Trump fiasco
The New York City native began his career at Arsenal’s academy. He even went on to make 10 appearances for the senior side.
Between January 2022 and June 2023, he played for Middlesbrough and Stade Reims on loan. His exploits in Ligue earned him a €30 million move to Monaco in the summer of 2023.
| Balogun’s Stats by Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Middlesbrough | 21 | 3 | 3 |
| Reims | 39 | 22 | 2 |
| Monaco | 95 | 31 | 9 |
| Total | 165 | 58 | 15 |
Last summer, Balogun made it to the world news headlines after receiving what many deemed an unfair red card during the World Cup Round of 32 clash against Bosnia.
US President Donald Trump publicly admitted to calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asking him to revoke the red card.
The player indeed received a special pardon, causing a major outcry against Trump and FIFA. Nevertheless, his presence in the Round of 16 proved futile, as Belgium prevailed by four goals to one.
Balogun’s contract with Monaco is valid until June 2028. Transfermarkt estimates his value at €50 million or £42 million. Arsenal would be entitled to receive a 17.5% sell-on fee.
