Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun, scored a goal as the United States emerged victorious in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday. Following the victory, Balogun expressed his dissatisfaction with his club’s management, stating that he will not agree to another loan move.
Last season, Balogun, who recently switched his national team allegiance from England to the US, had a successful loan spell at Reims in the French Ligue 1, netting an impressive 21 goals.
With a clinical strike on Sunday, he further enhanced his growing reputation and secured a 2-0 victory for the US against Canada, earning a medal in only his second appearance for his new national team.
The 21-year-old said he now plans to take some vacation time but made clear he is not in the mood for another temporary transfer.
“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,” he said.
“I’m not sure (about) the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. 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,” he said.
The New York-born striker moved to England aged two and joined Arsenal’s youth system, spending a six-month spell on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough in 2022.
Despite his breakthrough season in France, he will face a tough battle to break into the starting line-up at the Emirates where Brazil international Gabriel Jesus is the first choice centre-forward.
Arsenal also have another promising young striker in Eddie Nketiah and that situation has led Balogun to be linked with European clubs such as Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Balogun’s goal against Canada, where he latched on to a through ball from Gio Reyna and confidently fired home a first-time effort, crowned an impressive start to his life with the US team.
After making his switch in May, he joined the team in Los Angeles for a short training camp and then made his debut in a 3-0 win over Mexico on Thursday before Sunday’s trophy success.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s a dream scenario for me,” said Balogun.
“To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with delight,” he added.
The striker said he had been able to fit in quickly with his team-mates but said he had been impressed by the quality of the team he has joined.
“I think the thing that surprised me the most was just the actual talent in this group. I think there’s so many players who are going to go on to have top careers, who are all so young, including me,” he said.
US interim head coach B.J Callaghan praised Balogun’s impact on his team.
“I give him a lot of credit and I give the team a lot of credit for welcoming him in with open arms, making him feel part of it.
“You get the best out of players when they feel most comfortable calm and confident.
“I’m not surprised at all how quickly Balogun was able to integrate into the group and now have a really strong performance like he had tonight,” he said.