Folarin Balogun has stated that he will not be going on loan again after scoring his first international goal for the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League final against Canada on Sunday.
The 21-year-old of Nigerian descent switched international allegiance to the Stars and Stripes and made his debut in the 3-0 Nations League semi-final win over Mexico. He started Sunday’s final against the Canadians in Las Vegas and scored the second goal of the game in the 34th minute after Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards opened proceedings in the 12th minute.
2 – Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun are the first pair of @USMNT teammates to score their first career goals in the same knockout match of a major tournament since Rudy Kuntner and Henry Carroll vs. Argentina in the 1928 Olympics. Arrivals. pic.twitter.com/K5OZxXhSNb
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) June 19, 2023
Balogun’s impressive displays during the 2022-23 season where he scored 21 goals while on loan at French Ligue 1 side Reims from Arsenal, has raised questions about his future at the Emirates Stadium.
“I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place. I’m not sure what’s going to happen,” Balogun said when asked about his future.
“But I’m just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”
US soccer fans, I promise this is just the beginning! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/94H9mCtWo8
— Balogun (@balogun) June 19, 2023
Balogun’s contract with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2025 and should he remain with the North London outfit, he will have contend with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Saka, the quartet registering double digit goals last season as the Gunners lost out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.
