Folarin Balogun made his return to action for AS Monaco on Wednesday night, coming off the bench during their 3-2 home defeat to Benfica in the Champions League.
The former Arsenal striker played 27 minutes in his comeback after missing 11 matches due to a shoulder injury and then followed that up with a start against Marseille in their 2-1 defeat this weekend.
His return is particularly timely for Monaco as they prepare to face Arsenal in their next Champions League fixture on 11 December.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 10: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States attempts a shot on goal in the second half against New Zealand during an international friendly match at TQL Stadium on September 10, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Balogun, speaking post-Champions League match, reflected on both the game and his recovery journey. “The general feeling is that we had the ability to win the game,” Balogun said of the match they lost at home after going down to 10 men. “On a personal level, I worked hard to come back. A shoulder injury is never something easy to rehabilitate. Now it’s about getting back up to speed. The next game with Arsenal? It will be nice to go back there. It’s a place where I grew up and developed as a footballer. I have a lot of respect for them.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Folarin Balogun on Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Manchester City U23 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images
Balogun’s return to fitness adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming clash, given his past with Arsenal.
Sold to Monaco late in the 2023 summer transfer window for €30m, the decision to let the young striker leave sparked debate among the Arsenal fanbase. Many supporters felt that Balogun, despite impressive performances at academy level and a successful loan spell with Reims, never really received a genuine opportunity to break into the Arsenal first team.
The deal, which also included €10m in potential performance-related add-ons and a 17.5% sell-on clause, has seen Balogun continue his development in Ligue 1. This season, the 22-year-old has registered three goals and one assist in 10 appearances, playing a total of 564 minutes.
Since leaving Arsenal, Balogun has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists across 42 matches for Monaco, averaging 59 minutes per game.
Monaco's US forward #29 Folarin Balogun celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Olympique de Marseille at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
Balogun has faced stiff competition at Monaco, often finding himself sharing playing time with other established forwards. This has limited his starts but has allowed him to develop a more rounded game, contributing not just in front of goal but also in creating opportunities for teammates.
For Arsenal, the decision to cash in on Balogun was influenced by multiple factors. With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already vying for the striker role, the young forward’s prospects at the Emirates appeared limited.
Furthermore, the need to balance spending from an ambitious transfer window made the €30m fee, plus add-ons, an attractive proposition. The inclusion of a 17.5% sell-on clause, however, indicates that Arsenal still see value in Balogun’s potential, ensuring they could benefit from any future transfer.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 27: Folarin Balogun of United States celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 Group C match between Panama and United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Balogun has also made strides on the international stage since leaving Arsenal, switching his allegiance from England to the United States and quickly becoming an integral part of the USMNT setup. He made his debut in June 2023 and has since earned 17 caps, scoring five goals across various competitions, including the CONCACAF Nations League and Copa América.
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