Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign United States international Folarin Balogun, with the striker's representatives reportedly reaching out to the club directly. The former Arsenal youngster is said to be available for a 'competitive fee' after finding himself at the centre of a FIFA World Cup scandal.
Balogun's uncertain future at Monaco
The 25-year-old Monaco forward has an uncertain role in the Ligue 1 side's long-term plans, making him an attractive option following the intermediaries' approach, according to the Sun. A deal would still require Monaco to do business for the player, who scored 19 goals in 43 matches for Les Monegasques.
Balogun joined the Principality club in 2023 after coming through the youth ranks at Arsenal. If Tottenham were to agree a deal with Monaco, they would face their north London rivals benefiting from a 17.5% sell-on clause.
World Cup controversy
The goalscorer was expected to be one of the stars of the World Cup in the United States after bagging three goals in four matches. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his sending off during the competition.
Balogun was sent off in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina after accidentally hitting the back of Tarik Muharemovic's leg with his studs. It was only after VAR intervention that Balogun was given his marching orders, but the drama did not end there. He was permitted to play in the next round against Belgium when his expected ban was suspended for a year, a move that came after pressure from the host nation, including from US President Donald Trump and his administration.
While Balogun's inclusion could not prevent the United States from crashing out of the tournament, the decision drew severe criticism. "I think it's an absolute disgrace, I really do," said Wayne Rooney on punditry duty for the BBC.
Rooney added: "I know it's UEFA but I got a three-game ban before Euro 2012. I was due to miss the three group games and I got told if I went over to Switzerland and did a training session with a bunch of kids, my third game would get taken off. I agreed to do it because I didn't want a three-game ban but I thought that was wrong."
"For this to be suspended, they either take the red card away, which is probably the right decision, and then he can play. But to suspend it for a year? I think it's an absolute disgrace. Infantino should be ashamed of this. The sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I'm USA's opponent, I'd be absolutely fuming. It's wrong in every way. If you're an England player tonight or a Mexican player, and you get a red card, do you expect to be playing the next game? Where does it stop?"
Balogun's apology
Posting after the tournament, Balogun reflected on his nation's campaign and apologised to fans in the United States. He was not drawn on the controversy he had been embroiled in, however. He wrote: "My debut World Cup...It hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans it was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down."
"Soccer in America will only become bigger the belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us, the future belongs to those who never stop believing, this moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag."
