Arsenal star could make USMNT switch after being snubbed by England boss despite firing form
Folarin Balogun, the in-form Reims striker, appears to have given the USA international team a huge boost after sharing a cryptic message following his omission from England’s latest squad.
The 21-year-old is flourishing in France while on loan from Arsenal, scoring 17 goals in 28 games for Reims across all competitions.
His on-target efforts, however, were insufficient to earn him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Despite his recent betting scandal, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate chose Brentford striker Ivan Toney over him.
The snub may have hurt New York-born Balogun, who took to Instagram to post a story with the caption ‘In life, go where [you’re] appreciated.’
The move comes just one day after the USMNT expressed interest in attempting to sign the youngster.
Balogun, who was born in New York, is eligible to play for both England and Nigeria.
It would be a huge boost for the United States, who are in desperate need of a reliable striker, while England and Nigeria are both well-stocked in the No. 9 position.
The United States may also provide him with the quickest path to the 2026 World Cup, with a spot on the roster virtually guaranteed.
Balogun has previously represented England at various youth levels and appeared set to do so again.
However, USA interim head coach Anthony Hudson confirmed that the team had begun discussions with Balogun and his representatives about a possible switch.
“All I’ll say, there is open dialogue with him and his team,” Hudson told reporters Wednesday. “That dialogue is continuing. That’s all I can say.”
Meanwhile, former USMNT player Eric Wynalda recently stated that the USA must appeal to Balogun’s ego in order to win him over.
He insists on being given the chance to be a star, which The Three Lions are currently not giving him.
“We have to appeal to his ego which is the reality of this,” Wynalda said via Goal.
“We should let him know that he will be a star. An absolute star at a World Cup, in his own country as he was born in New York.
“We need to lock him in with some sponsors too. He will be a star with us. He won’t necessarily be a star with England.
“It will come down to how important it is for him to be in the spotlight. That’s the only chance we’ve got to get him.”
Meanwhile, AC Milan has identified Balogun as a possible target as they look to add a new center-forward during the summer transfer window.
The Serie A club is looking for a long-term replacement for Olivier Giroud, who will turn 37 in September, according to La Gazzetta dello Sports.
Balogun is expected to rejoin Arsenal at the end of the season, but he will face stiff competition for playing time.
He will compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s squad next season.
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Arsenal star could make USMNT switch after being snubbed by England boss despite firing form