Monaco news

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including yet another goal from the Monaco striker

After scoring for the U.S. men's national team during the international break, Folarin Balogun built on that momentum on the club level, scoring his side's only goal in Monaco's 1-1 draw with Angers. The strike is his second of the season, with the first coming back on Aug. 31. Les Monégasques now sit fifth in Ligue 1.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has decided to defer the activation of the €11 million option to make Ansu Fati’s loan move from Barcelona permanent. The Spanish forward has been in fine form since joining the Ligue 1 side on loan, but Scuro emphasised that he must first be provided with the right conditions to develop into an important and consistent player before any transfer decision is made.

Paul Pogba has been sent a motivational “hurry up” message by former Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard as the World Cup winner waits on his debut for Monaco. The French midfielder has not made a competitive appearance of any kind since September 2023. He was stung with a four-year ban for an alleged doping violation at that stage, which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.

Ansu Fati’s explosive start to life at Monaco has reignited hopes of a Spain comeback. The Barcelona loanee has rediscovered his scoring touch in Ligue 1, netting six goals in five games. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has now confirmed that the 22-year-old forward is “on their radar” ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Paul Pogba's long-awaited return to football has hit another snag after the midfielder suffered a minor thigh strain in training. Having not played an official game since 2023 due to a doping ban, the plan for the 32-year-old to make his Monaco debut this month is now in serious doubt, adding to his frustrating comeback trail as he targets a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Monaco have shortlisted German manager Edin Terzic as a possible replacement if they decide to sack current coach Adi Hutter. The recent 2-2 draw against Nice leaves Monaco with just one win of their last five matches, putting Hutter’s job in jeopardy. However, Terzic is said to be evaluating Monaco's offer and is not fully convinced he wants to take the job.

Once hailed as Lionel Messi's heir, Ansu Fati's promising career was derailed by injury setbacks and uncertain loan spells, but the Spanish prodigy has finally found his fire again at Monaco. His electrifying resurgence is cemented by breaking a decades-old Ligue 1 scoring record, as he became the fastest player to reach five goals.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pulisic taking on USMNT teammate McKennie in Serie A rivalry

France head coach Didier Deschamps admitted that he has no doubt that Paul Pogba's goal is to return to the national team ahead of next year's World Cup in the USA. At a press conference on Thursday, Deschamps explained what the 32-year-old must do in order to earn a recall to Les Bleus' squad, with the ex-Manchester United and Juventus player expected to make his Monaco debut later this month.

Pep Guardiola was left furious after Manchester City were denied victory in Monaco as a controversial late penalty decision cost his side two Champions League points. The Catalan tactician refused to comment directly on the incident but took a swipe at 'Spanish referees' following another night of refereeing drama in Europe, which resulted in Eric Dier scoring a late penalty equaliser.

Erling Haaland was livid with Manchester City for failing to see off Monaco as Pep Guardiola's side had to make do with a 2-2 draw in the second game of their Champions League campaign. Haaland had twice given City the lead in Monaco but a wonder strike from Jordan Teze and a late penalty from former Tottenham ace Eric Dier snatched a point for the hosts.

Erling Haaland was on the prowl and at his most dangerous but he was left disappointed as Manchester City were denied victory in the Champions League at Monaco by a late penalty given away by Nico Gonzalez. Haaland scored his 51st and 52nd goals in Europe's top competitions to tie Mohamed Salah as the 10th highest scorer. But City were pegged back, first by a scorching strike from Jordan Teze and then by Eric Dier's penalty in the 90th minute.