Folarin Balogun proves he's the perfect Newcastle signing as full stats emerge from dazzling US display
Newcastle United target Folarin Balogun scored twice for the United States as they beat Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
The 24-year-old's brace came after Damian Bobadilla's early own-goal, with Mauricio finding a consolation for the South Americans before Giovanni Reyna's stunning strike ended proceedings.
Matches against Australia and Turkey are up next for the host nation, who are looking to make World Cup history.
Newcastle are reportedly considering a move for Balogun this summer, with his contract with AS Monaco set to expire in 2028.
The former Arsenal forward scored 19 goals across all competitions in France, including a staggering run of 11 goals in 12 consecutive games between February and April.
The Magpies signed Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade last summer, with one or even both expected to leave in the coming months after failing to impress.
Folarin Balogun's staggering display vs Paraguay
Newcastle are likely not alone in their interest in Balogun, and they will certainly not be after Saturday's game.
The striker had looked to be struggling following his 2023 move to Monaco from Arsenal, missing almost the entirety of last season with a shoulder injury.
But this season has been a reminder of his quality, and the 24-year-old is now doing on the grandest stage, too.
Balogun thought he had got on the scoresheet midway through the first half before the flag was raised for an earlier offside, but he would not have to wait long to celebrate again.
Just three minutes later, the striker received the ball and slotted past the goalkeeper to double the United States' lead.
Balogun's second before half-time was even more impressive. Running onto a through ball, the forward touched inside two defenders before smashing a devastating finish into the top corner.
The American, who also represented England at youth level, did more than just score, too. He also completed a successful dribble, won five duels and was fouled four times.
Balogun's response to Premier League links
Balogun all of his youth career with Arsenal, even scoring twice for the senior team when he made his breakthrough.
His future was elsewhere, however, and the £35m sale to Monaco remains among the Gunners' record sale.
The Premier League champions stand to make profit from Balogun's potential return this summer, too, having negotiated a sell-on clause.
Asked about the possibility of a move back to England in May, the 24-year-old said: "I think the most important thing for me is just to focus on the game against Strasbourg. And then, after, of course, as you said, I have the World Cup, and then we’ll see what happens after the World Cup.
"But I don’t have any information or any news on that now. I just try to stay focused for the rest of the season."