USMNT's Balogun says he expects to leave Monaco in January transfer window

United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun said he fully expects to leave Monaco in the January transfer window.

During the previous window, the 25-year-old forward backed away from a transfer to Everton at the last minute due to changes in the terms of his contract. Balogun's decision caused no shortage of frustration for both Everton and Monaco. Monaco were depending on the sale of Balogun's contract to guide other activity during the window.

Since then, Balogun has struggled for playing time.

He was originally left off the club's UEFA Conference League roster amid uncertainty over his future, but was later added.

He has logged just 152 minutes across six league appearances, and scored his first goal in a 3-1 loss at Paris FC.

"There's been a lot of things happening at Monaco, just out of my control," he said during Thursday's media availability with the USMNT.

"But I'm sure in the upcoming transfer windows, I'll look to leave again."

As for why the Everton move didn't go through, Balogun confirmed it was about the Toffees trying to change the terms of his contract.

"I think my point of view was very clear," Balogun said.

"I haven't said anything publicly, but I flew to Everton obviously with a set contract. And then by the time I left, the contract was changed. So that was just the situation, in short. The contract was changed and then in the end I didn't feel comfortable to sign. So that was literally just the situation."

Reports in Italy have linked Balogun with a potential move to Juventus in January.

Balogun is back with the U.S. for the first time since the World Cup, ahead of a pair of matches against Haiti in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League.

The first leg will be in Miami on Saturday, and will count as Haiti's home match due to continuing violence and political instability in the country.

The return is scheduled for three days later in Cincinnati.

"I'm very happy to be back," Balogun said. "Just to be with the boys, the energy, the vibes in camp is something I've definitely missed being away. I'm just very grateful to be here after a long, interesting summer.

"And I just think coming back with the boys and just being a part of something just gives me a new sense of energy, a new sense of life.

"And at the end of the day, sometimes different camps provide different benefits. And for me, this camp is just a reminder of that I'm a part of an amazing team with brothers and we're fighting for something. So very happy to be here."

Balogun will be looking to reprise his performances from the World Cup, when he led the U.S. with three goals.

He admitted that coming off the buzz of the World Cup had been a significant change.

"I really did enjoy and thrive playing on the biggest stages," Balogun said.

"I think it brings out a sense of pressure that tends to bring out the best in myself personally. And then from almost being on the biggest of stages to going back to Monaco, which is fairly quiet, just living there and just the way the country is designed, it's been different."

Balogun also indicated that he'll be looking to further impress Monaco manager Filipe Luís, who arrived during the summer from Brazilian Serie A side Flamengo.

"It's always different when you have a new manager," Balogun said. "I haven't played as much as I wanted to, but I'm sure during the course of the season, hopefully I'll be able to get more minutes."

As for the U.S., Balogun said he's been impressed with the young crop of players coming through, such as Mathis Albert, Neil Pierre and Cavan Sullivan.

"It's been good, not just to see Cavan. It's been good to be around all the young boys," Balogun said.

"I think we have a fantastic new generation coming through. It's my first time seeing a lot of them and the talent is unbelievable. I think some of these guys play in the MLS, but I just think that's testament to the league. There's no drop off in quality. There's no shortage of talent in the MLS. So I think it's amazing to have them here."

Balogun is now looking at a possible change in manager at international level, with Mauricio Pochettino likely to depart for Manchester United.

The Monaco forward had nothing but praise for the Argentine.

"I think Poch has definitely raised the standard since he's been in charge," Balogun said.

"I think you guys have seen that just the intensity of training, how we approach games. He's changed our way of thinking as players from calling the friendlies that we have in certain camps, official games, not official games. He wants us to just be of a mindset to go out there and win.

"I think he's laid the foundation and I think us as players have that ownership to not just do that because Poch was in charge. I think we have the ownership as players to carry that out because we know the standards."