Fulham have approached AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun to sign him this summer, and there are signs that a deal could be made.
Bargon was controversially given a red card, but thanks to President Donald Trump’s intervention, he impressed the USMNT with three goals and one assist in four games, helping the team advance to the Round of 16.
The American, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, made headlines at Monaco last season, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in 43 games in all competitions, following a debut season in which he found the net four times in 13 Ligue 1 games.
Former Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli suggested the 25-year-old’s level of performance was due to his hard work behind the scenes, saying: “I think his level of performance pushes all the players in his area of the pitch. He’s just reaping the rewards of hard work. He’s ambitious, focused, professional… In the end, you reap what you sew.”
So despite his under-achievement at Arsenal, the striker could be primed for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, with a number of English teams in the race to sign him.
Fulham are in contention to sign Folarin Balogun
TEAMtalk reports that Fulham are currently making an approach for Balogun, with Monaco prepared to let him leave for £40m this summer.
However, Shahid Khan and his team may have to fend off rival interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds United and Fulham, who are also said to be interested.
Why Fulham need to sign Folarin Balogun | |
|---|---|
Raul Jimenez leaves the club | Raul Jimenez’s three-year spell at Craven Cottage came to an end earlier this summer, which could be a blow for Arbeloa. The Mexican has scored 26 Premier League goals for the Cottage since joining in the summer of 2023, including nine last season, but has now joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, increasing the need to sign a new striker. |
Monaco and USMNT performances | Balogun has proven himself for club and country and could be a suitable replacement. The Brooklyn-born striker has scored 12 goals in 31 caps for the USMNT, and also has an impressive 45 goals and 14 assists in 109 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco and Reims. |
There weren’t enough goals last season. | Fulham ran out of steam to push for Europe last season, and a lack of goals could be a contributing factor. Under Marco Silva, they scored just 47 goals, fewer than Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, both of whom remained relegation candidates until the end of the season. |
In addition to signing a new striker, the Cottages are also keen to strengthen far-reaching, with former winger Marcial Gaud, currently playing for RC Strasbourg, emerging as a target.
