Five Exciting Clubs That Could Rescue Folarin Balogun Following Ruthless Monaco Rejection

Monaco attempted to resolve Folarin Balogun's uncertain situation by omitting the U.S. men's national team forward from their European competition squad this season.

Balogun has unexpectedly become the focal point of a transfer saga over the past several days. An intricate series of failed negotiations fell apart when the striker refused to join Everton on Tuesday's Premier League Deadline Day.

Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro placed most of the responsibility on Balogun and made clear that alternative exit options would be explored to compensate for the $54.1 million (£40 million) the club missed out on.

"We still have other markets open, which we are having discussions in different players including Balo," Scuro told assembled media in a spiky press conference.

However, those remaining alternatives are quickly narrowing. Türkiye's window for struggling strikers closed on Sept. 4, while Scotland, the Netherlands, and all five of Europe's major leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France) have also shut their doors. Even the MLS window has closed.

Here are the few remaining options available to Balogun.

5. Liga MX (Mexico)

Window closing date: Sept. 11

This is essentially a non-option. The only reason Liga MX is even a remote possibility is that its clubs are still legally permitted to make signings. It's technically feasible, but extremely unlikely.

No Mexican club has ever spent more than $16 million on a single player throughout the league's history. Monaco are seeking more than three times that figure, so unless there is a dramatic financial development in the coming days, Balogun will not be heading to North America.

4. Brasileiro Série A (Brazil)

Window closing date: Sept. 11

The odds of Balogun landing in South America aren't significantly better.

While Brazil's wealthier clubs do have a recent history of spending the kind of money Monaco are demanding—Lucas Paquetá returned to Flamengo from West Ham United earlier this year for approximately $50 million—there has been no indication whatsoever of any Brazilian club showing interest in Balogun.

3. Primeira Liga (Portugal)

Window closing date: Sept. 15

Portugal is by far the most prestigious European league that has yet to close its transfer window. Several players—most notably a number of strikers—have developed their careers in Iberia before being sold at a profit to more established European clubs, with Darwin Núñez, formerly of Liverpool, and Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres serving as notable examples.

Whether Balogun can persuade any of the league's 'Big Three'—Porto, Sporting CP, or Benfica—to take a gamble on him remains to be seen.

2. Pro League (Saudi Arabia)

Window closing date: Oct. 12

The Saudi Pro League is considered the most realistic escape route for Balogun. The league's big-spending clubs still have a full month for negotiations and have repeatedly shown a willingness to pursue high-profile acquisitions.

Among the league's four top clubs, Al Ittihad appears to be most in need of a center forward to challenge the fading Youssef En-Nesyri. Al Hilal notably acquired Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa this summer as Karim Benzema's successor, while Al Ahli can count on Ivan Toney.

A potential partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr is not entirely out of the question. Ange Postecoglou has quickly shown that he is no mere figurehead for the Portuguese star and might welcome the energy and drive of a 25-year-old in his prime. Whether Balogun is willing to abandon his ambitions of competing among Europe's best at this stage of his career is another matter entirely.

1. Monaco

Balogun may be ineligible for Monaco's opening Conference League matches, but the possibility of a reconciliation in the Principality has not been entirely ruled out. Following an unexpected win over Paris Saint-Germain on Friday—again without the U.S. forward—Monaco manager Filipe Luís left the door open for his striker's potential return.

"Balogun is a Monaco player," the Brazilian coach stated. "The club is more important than any single player. He is injured, but once he recovers, I will be counting on him. I am very happy with the squad I have, but right now I just need to focus on the next match."

Monaco can update their Conference League squad following the end of the league phase, which Balogun may have missed regardless given the rotation opportunities presented by the relatively modest level of competition in Europe's third-tier club tournament.