Arsenal recently sold highly regarded academy graduate Folarin Balogun, who was regarded as the next big thing coming out of Hale End academy, especially following his antics on loan in France. The USNMT striker has now admitted that he was close to making a move to Tottenham Hotspur before he decided to join Arsenal Academy.
Folarin Balogun reveals near-move to Tottenham
Speaking in an interview with JD Sports, the 23-year-old admitted that he, at one point, was on trial at both the North London-based clubs where he was training with the Lilywhites from Monday to Thursday and turning up at Arsenal on the weekends.
He went on to reveal that the veto decision to move to Arsenal was influenced by his family, who believed that the Gunners provided a better opportunity for the player’s development and pathway to senior football.
He said:
“That is true. I was at Tottenham and Arsenal at the same time, and I was on trial with both teams. I was training Monday to Thursday with Tottenham and Friday to Sunday with Arsenal. It was an intense schedule, but in the end me and my family decided that Arsenal will be a better fit for me, and it worked out excellently.”
In retrospect, the decision has proven to be fruitful, as he is one of the most exciting and striking talents in world football at the moment. There had been glimpses of greatness during his reign in Arsenal’s academy, where he scored 38 goals for the U18s and 37 goals for the U21s.
Balogun went on to represent the Arsenal first team in 2020, making his debut in the Europa League. Despite early promise, the game time came thin at the Emirates Stadium, and that led to loan spells away to Middlesbrough, followed by Remis.
Last year, the Gunners sold the player to AS Monaco for a reported €30 million, as he now fights his own battles to demonstrate his abilities.
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Do you think his career path would have been different if he chose Spurs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.