Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun found the target as the United won the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday and then took aim at his club’s hierarchy, saying he would not accept another loan move.
Balogun, who switched his England national team allegiance to the United States last month, spent last season on loan at French Ligue 1 club Reims where he impressed with 21 goals.
He further added to his growing reputation with a clinical strike on Sunday to seal a 2-0 win for the United States over Canada, earning a medal in just his second game for his new side.
The 21-year-old said he now plans to take a vacation but clarified he is in no mood for another temporary transfer.
“What I can say is that I will definitely not go back on loan again,” he said.
“I’m not sure (of) the discussions that are going to take place, I don’t know what is going to happen. But I’m just committing now, I’m trying 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 an uphill battle to get 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 this situation has led to Balogun being 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 returned a first effort, capped off an impressive start to his life with the USA team.
After making his switch in May, he joined the Los Angeles side for a short training camp and then made his debut in a 3-0 win over Mexico on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s trophy success.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s a dream scenario for me,” Balogun said.
“To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with joy,” he added.
The striker said he was able to fit in with his teammates quickly but said he was impressed with the quality of the team he joined.
“I think what surprised me the most was just how talented this group really is. I think there are so many players who are going to have top careers, who are all so young, including including me,” he said.
United States interim head coach BJ Callaghan hailed 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 with open arms, making him feel like a part of it.
“You get the most out of players when they feel most comfortable, calm and confident.
“I’m not at all surprised how quickly Balo was able to fit into the group and now has a really good performance like he did tonight,” he said.
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