Balogun commits: How will the Stade Reims star fit in with a young USMNT?

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One of the worst-kept secrets in US Soccer is now official, FIFA has approved Folarin Balogun’s request for a one-time switch from the English Football Association (FA) to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), clearing the path for the 21-year-old striker to represent the US men’s national team. Although Balogun grew up in England, the striker is eligible to represent the US as he was born in Brooklyn, New York. Furthermore, Balogun has previously represented the US at the youth level scoring two goals in four games for the U18. 

Balogun announced the switch with a video posted on his Instagram account. “We are delighted that Folarin has chosen to represent the United States,” said USMNT head coach Anthony Hudson said in a statement posted on the official USSF site. “Not only is he an extremely talented player, he’s also a good man who is going to add value to our national team both on and off the field at a time when the team is continuing to improve. It’s clear that he values his U.S. roots, and we can’t wait for him to come in and be a part of the team.”

Market Value

F. Balogun Centre-Forward

€30.00m

“My decision to represent the United States came together with my family,” said Balogun. “In the end, it became a no-brainer, but for sure, it’s just something I wanted to do, and it feels like I’m at home here. To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honored to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.” 

Folarin Balogun commits to USMNT: How will he fit in?

Without a doubt, Balogun will significantly improve the USMNT depth in the attack. With a market value of €25 million, the forward, who is currently on loan at Stade Reims from Arsenal, becomes the fourth most valuable American player on the planet. Balogun’s market value is also more than twice that of the USMNT’s second most valuable forward, Josh Sargent (Norwich City). 

Player Comparison

Folarin Balogun

Josh Sargent

AS Monaco

Norwich City

€30.00m

Market Value

€12.00m

22

Age

24

Centre-Forward

Position

Centre-Forward

Jun 30, 2028

Contract until

Jun 30, 2028

Full Player Comparison

Among Concacaf strikers, only Canadian star Jonathan David (Lille) has a higher market value than Balogun. The lack of depth in the attack has often been cited as the major shortcoming when it comes to what is still a very young US team. Jesús Ferreira (Dallas) and Ricardo Pepi (on loan from Augsburg at Groningen) have struggled when playing for the US. Another form of criticism has been that neither Ferreira nor Pepi have been prolific in a top-five league. Ferreira still plays in MLS, and Pepi struggled in the Bundesliga for Augsburg.  

Balogun’s record in a top 5 league, in the meantime, has been nothing short of spectacular. Come in to replace Hugo Ekitike, Balogun ranks sixth overall in Ligue 1 with 19 goals in 34 games for Stade Reims this season. In terms of goal ratio, no other striker has been more important for their team, with Balogun netting 45.2% of his club’s goals this season; OL striker Alexandre Lacazette is second with 43.1%.  Finally, among newcomers, Balogun ranks second together with RC Lens Loïs Openda in terms of goals (19) and assists (3) scored this season. 

Stats

F. Balogun Centre-Forward

Stade Reims

Career stats–
All competitions

Games

39

Goals

22

Assists

3

Balogun US commitment first – club decision second? 

With all that in mind, there is no doubt that Balogun will now be leading the line for what is a young and exciting US men’s national team. Furthermore, with the decision made on his national team future, Balogun can now focus on his club career. Here the 21-year-old will also have an important decision to make this summer. 

Currently, on loan fromArsenal, Balogun has made it clear that he is only committed to returning to Arsenal if he is guaranteed playing time. That guarantee, however, is unlikely as Arsenal look to strengthen the attack. But with an incredible goalscoring record and now a commitment to the US, Balogun will have plenty of options. One club interested appears to be RB Leipzig, but the Bundesliga side also has kept an eye on Lille’s David. 

Whether it is with the US, Stade Reims, Arsenal, or another club. It appears Balogun’s future is bright, especially as he is now set to become one of the faces of the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States.