Fulham have made a move to sign AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun this summer, and there are signs that a deal is likely.
Although Balgoun contested the red card, after the intervention of President Donald Trump, Balogun impressed the USMNT at the World Cup, collecting three goals and one assist in four games, and his side reached the round of 16.
Once hailed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as “amazing”, the American also impressed at Monaco last season, notching 19 goals and five assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, following a debut campaign in which he found the net four times in 13 Ligue 1 games.
Former Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli has suggested that the 25-year-old’s form stems from his efforts at the back, saying: “I think his level of play pushes all players in his field. He’s just reaping the fruits of his hard work. Ambitious, focused, professional… in the end, he’s reaping the rewards.”
So, despite failing to make the grade at Arsenal, the striker is still ready for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, and many English sides are in the race for his signature.
Fulham are now in the race to sign Folarin Balogun
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Fulham have now made a move to sign Balogun, with Monaco ready to approve a £40m move this summer.
However, Shahid Khan & co may have to fend off the likes of Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds United and Fulham, who are also said to be interested.
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Why Fulham need to sign Folarin Balogun |
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The departure of Raul Jimenez |
Raul Jimenez’s three-year spell at Craven Cottage came to an end earlier this summer, which would be a blow for Arbeloa. The Mexican has scored 26 Premier League goals for the Cottagers since arriving in the summer of 2023, including nine last season, but has now joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, prompting the need to sign a new striker. |
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Monaco and USMNT activities |
Balogun would be a suitable replacement for him, having proven himself at club and country. The Brooklyn-born striker has 12 goals to his name in 31 games for the USMNT, and a record of 45 goals and 14 assists in 109 Ligue 1 appearances all-time with Monaco and Reims is also impressive. |
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Lack of goals last season |
Fulham were off the charts chasing Europe last season, and the lack of goals could have an impact. Under the leadership of Marco Silva, they scored only 47 goals, which was less than Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, both of whom remained in the relegation zone until the end of the season. |
Apart from signing a new striker, the Cottagers are also determined to strengthen, and the former midfielder, Martial Godo, who plays for RC Strasbourg, has emerged as a target.
