Folarin Balogun, a young Arsenal talent, had an exceptional season on loan at Stade Reims in Ligue 1. With three goals in his first three games, Balogun quickly established himself as a reliable goalscorer for the French club. He ended the season with an impressive 21 goals in 37 league games, making him the fifth highest scorer in Ligue 1 and surpassing the goal tally of his predecessor, Hugo Ekitiké.
Balogun’s success at Reims was unexpected, but he thrived in the team despite the chaos surrounding the club at the beginning of the season. The club sacked their head coach and struggled to win games, but Balogun remained consistent and helped his team climb up the league table.
The young striker’s success can be attributed to the tactical setup at Reims, with manager Will Still utilizing a 4-2-3-1 formation that allowed Balogun to be the main threat in attack. The club’s innovative approach and willingness to trust a manager without an impressive CV also played a role in Balogun’s rise.
After his standout season in Ligue 1, Balogun’s future remains uncertain. Arsenal is considering selling him, and Chelsea, Milan, and Inter are reportedly interested in signing him. Whether he returns to France for another season or tries to break into Arsenal‘s first team will depend on his decision.
Overall, Balogun’s performance in Ligue 1 showcased his potential and confirmed the talent that many in England had recognized. He proved himself as a prolific goalscorer and made a name for himself in one of Europe’s top leagues.
