Belgium manager Rudi Garcia was furious with FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play against them despite his initial suspension. However, Garcia has said that the USMNT player is not to blame.
Peter Rutzler of The Times quoted Garcia on X: "He (Balogun) came to talk to me. I really liked that. It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame, I told him that. I appreciate the intention of him speaking to me."
Balogun showed great maturity in talking to Garcia. The AS Monaco striker has been caught up in the most controversial saga of the World Cup this summer. He was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina for an unintentional but dangerous challenge.
The forward was set to have to sit out the round of 16 game against Belgium. However, following an intervention from Donald Trump, FIFA suspended his one-match ban. Balogun had a couple of chances against Belgium, but ultimately, Garcia's side convincingly won 4-1.
Folarin Balogun will still be in demand after the World Cup
Balogun got the USMNT up and running at the World Cup with a brace in their opening game against Paraguay. His overall record at the tournament of three goals and one assist in four matches would have caught the eye of many top European clubs.
This is if these teams were not already monitoring Balogun. He has been a star for Monaco since joining them from Arsenal. Last season, Balogun scored 19 goals with five assists in 43 games in all competitions.
The striker has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, who would not want to come up against him anymore. Balogun found the back of the net and set up Maghnes Akliouche in a 3-1 win for Monaco against PSG in the last campaign.
What are Balogun's best options?
It would be tempting for Balogun to join the back-to-back Champions League winners. However, he may lack game time at the club, as they already have Ousmane Dembélé. Goncalo Ramos recently left the club after playing second fiddle to the Ballon d'Or winner.
A return to the Premier League with Chelsea or Newcastle United could be fitting for Balogun. He grew up in England and represented the Three Lions up to the Under-21 level. Both clubs could do with a new forward. Chelsea do have Joao Pedro, but he is seen as more of a second striker. Newcastle have not properly replaced Alexander Isak. They did sign Nick Woltemade, but he had a mixed first season at the club.
Joining Borussia Dortmund could be a smart move for Balogun. The Black and Yellow have a track record of developing players. They could also do with a new striker, especially if Serhou Guirassy departs this summer.
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