Folarin Balogun has emerged as a central figure in the 2026 summer transfer window after his proposed move to Everton collapsed on deadline day. With his situation at AS Monaco still unresolved, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has voiced support for the American striker ahead of the upcoming international window.
On September 2, the day after the primary transfer window closed across most European leagues, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro addressed Balogun’s situation at a press conference. He explained that Everton raised medical concerns during the physical examination, leading Balogun to withdraw from the £38.5 million ($50 million USD) transfer out of dissatisfaction with the club’s handling of the process.
During a virtual media session from London on Monday, Pochettino shared his perspective on the forward’s situation, stating, “It’s difficult because you cannot influence the decision, and only you need to support what they are doing with the people making the decisions.”
The manager said he intends to contact the USMNT forward directly. “Of course, in special cases such as Flo, I will call in the next few days because I want to give him some space after everything that occurred with his situation at Everton,” he added.
The USMNT are set for a four‑game friendly series in the autumn international window, with matches scheduled against Peru on September 26, Chile on September 29, Mexico on October 3, and Canada on October 6. As he prepares for the next World Cup cycle, Pochettino has not yet confirmed whether Balogun will be included in the upcoming roster after his recent inactivity.
Pochettino concluded by emphasizing Balogun’s long‑term importance to the program, noting his contributions at the 2026 World Cup and saying, “I want to know what happened, while always offering our support. He is an important player for us, was vital in the World Cup, and I hope he can find his best place—whether at Monaco or elsewhere—to perform at his peak.”
Balogun’s future remains in the air
The 2026‑27 Ligue 1 season is already underway, with Monaco leading the table after collecting nine points from their first three matches. Under manager Filipe Luis, the Monegasque side has relied on 20‑year‑old German forward Paris Brunner in attack, while Balogun remains sidelined.
So far this season, Balogun has not logged a single minute of action after missing preseason training and not being named in a matchday squad. With the transfer window closed across Europe’s top five leagues, his possible destinations are limited to secondary markets such as the Saudi Pro League, Portugal’s Primeira Liga, Brazil’s Serie A, and Mexico’s Liga MX.
