Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, with the 25-year-old’s representatives shopping him around ahead of January.
Why Balogun Is Back on the Market
TEAMtalk claims Jorge Mendes is working on a new destination for the USMNT star after a chaotic deadline day. Balogun was central to a tangled saga involving Everton, Chelsea, Monaco and Lamine Camara, which ended with the striker refusing to complete a move and returning to Monaco empty-handed.
Since then, he has not started a match under Filipe Luís and is absent from Monaco’s European squad. He did score from the bench in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Paris FC, but an exit looks increasingly likely.
Man Utd’s January Striker Search
United are said to want more firepower in the new year. Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is already on their radar, with Balogun now an alternative option.
Competition could be fierce, however. Everton, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Juventus have reportedly all been made aware of his availability.
Balogun’s Numbers Back Up the Case
Last season, Balogun registered 24 goal contributions, including 13 Ligue 1 goals, one of the highest tallies in the division. His slow start this term appears down to a lack of minutes rather than any dip in form.
Our Take
Balogun looks a sensible fit for several reasons. He knows English football from his Arsenal days, and Monaco’s willingness to sell could push his price below the £41m Transfermarkt valuation. Whether United prefer a proven Premier League finisher like Mateta remains the key question, but Balogun offers a younger, potentially cheaper route.