US Men’s National Team interim manager, Anthony Hudson, has confirmed that he held discussions with dual-nationality striker, Folarin Balogun, during his Florida training stint.
Hudson’s efforts are part of US Soccer’s desire to secure more dual-national talents.
“I think it’s been good because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do and that’s it. I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. It’s been good and I know a few of the guys have spoken to him as well,” said Hudson.
Hudson emphasized the importance of engaging with potential dual-national players to join the US squad. “We need to move forward and connect and engage and get these guys and see where they want to go and try and encourage them by showing what we’re doing. Hopefully, we get guys to come and come to us.”
ALSO READ: CEO Oliver Kahn reveals why Bayern Munich sacked Julian Nagelsmann
Balogun has caught the attention of international scouts following his involvement with Arsenal’s youth team and Middlesbrough. He has since made an impact while on loan in France with Reims and is currently the third-highest scorer in Ligue 1, behind Kylian Mbappe and Canada’s Jonathan David.
ALSO READ: AFCON QUALIFIER: Super Eagles fail to take off in shocking 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau
England U21 manager Lee Carsley has praised Balogun for his potential, following a call-up before his training trip to the United States.
However, he expressed that he can’t force the striker to play for England.
“You can’t twist someone’s arm to play for England,” Carsley said this week. “You know we can only make him feel as welcome as we can. We rate him highly. We’ve supported him when things weren’t great. We called him into the 21s when he was playing for Arsenal’s Under-23s because I knew what potential he had.”
In order for Balogun to represent the US Men’s National Team, he would need to complete FIFA’s one-time switch, a process that has not yet been initiated.
Hudson remains hopeful that the US team can secure Balogun’s allegiance.
