A botched Everton transfer and limited game time at Monaco have stalled his World Cup surge, making his USMNT recall a timely reset.
The squad gathers in Atlanta, mixing veterans like Pulisic and McKennie with newcomers such as Sullivan and Albert, and featuring Balogun, the summer’s breakout star seeking rhythm again.
Months ago Balogun was the talk of the tournament, drawing Premier League interest and eyeing a big Everton move that never materialised, leaving him on the fringes at Monaco.
He logged 314 minutes in four World Cup matches, yet only 230 minutes for Monaco since – a stark contrast to the promise he showed.
Now back with the national side, the Nations League quarter‑final versus Haiti offers a platform to rebuild confidence and remind fans of his early hype.
The USMNT clearly benefits from his talent, but Balogun equally needs the team’s platform right now.
An international break can be a useful springboard – minutes, confidence, and a chance to feel vital again.
Monaco minutes have been scarce since the Everton saga fell apart.
On deadline day the Everton deal seemed set, then a medical snag and a public back‑and‑forth led Balogun to walk away, shaking both club and player.
Monaco had banked on his sale proceeds; his stay forced both parties into an uncertain rebuild with no immediate playing guarantee.
He’s managed just 152 league minutes and 78 in Europe – far fewer chances than his World Cup spotlight would suggest.
Nonetheless, he struck against Paris FC and featured 78 minutes against Nordsjælland in the Conference League, hinting at untapped value.
Returning to the USMNT for the first time since the tournament gives him a chance to turn modest steps into real progress.
Balogun is back, and he’s got a point to prove – for him and the USMNT, that could be a good thing.
His first post‑World Cup camp offers a shot to rediscover his scoring touch.
Even with limited minutes, his Paris FC goal proved he remains a genuine threat when called upon.
Historically, U.S. stars like Pulisic and Reyna have used the national team to reset during club struggles, turning international duty into a confidence boost.
Balogun’s situation is tangled: a failed transfer, unclear Monaco role, and dwindling minutes, yet his underlying ability is still evident.
The USMNT now serves as a stage for him to showcase his summer form, though he must first earn consistent club opportunities.
At 25, he can still build on his breakout, provided he gets the chance to play regularly.
A transfer saga with a lasting impact
Upcoming Haiti matches could help him feel like himself again, even if they don’t solve club issues.
Pochettino aims to restore Balogun’s confidence while easing him back into international action.
He welcomed Balogun’s return, noting the striker missed the first post‑World Cup camp but is now back in the mix.
“It’s a great opportunity to help him evolve after a tough summer and the World Cup,” Pochettino said.
With few minutes since July, Balogun will crave game time, but he can’t expect to make up everything in one go, Pochettino admitted.
The coach added Julian Hall and Justin Ellis to the squad, leaving Pepi at his club, to ensure two fit forwards while Balogun regains sharpness.
A crucial USMNT return
That blend, Pochettino believes, supplies what the USMNT needs and lets Balogun ease back without shouldering the entire load.
Regular club minutes are essential for him to extend his World Cup breakthrough.
Balogun is likely to feature in the Haiti games, though his minutes will depend on Pochettino’s assessment of his readiness.
He still faces the same questions that haunted him after the Everton collapse, and his next move could define his career path.
At 25, time is on his side; the key is securing steady football to build on his tournament form.
Those two Haiti fixtures are just a start; clubs will evaluate his broader record, not just his Nations League output.
If Monaco grants him a larger role, he’ll need to seize it to prove his worth.