With his 21 league goals this past campaign, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun was a key part of a young Reims side – led by rookie Anglo-Belgian manager Will Still – that for long stretches of the season looked to be challenging for a spot in Europe.
Despite a 19-game unbeaten run in the middle of the season, the Champagne side ultimately finished outside the top half – but Balogun’s performances did not go unnoticed. The forward has inevitably caught the eye of teams from both Ligue 1 and beyond.
Now a USA international, Balogun found the net in only his second game since switching allegiances, helping his national team to a 2-0 win over Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
Speaking after the match, the former England youth international has indicated that he has no intention of going out on loan again for the upcoming campaign. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to carve out a spot in the Gunners’ striking hierarchy, in which he faces competition from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
“I’m not sure about the discussions that are going to take place. […] What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
