The last few days have been hectic for Folarin Balogun, the young striker on loan from Arsenal to Stade de Reims. Excellent with the Champagne club this season (17 goals in 27 Ligue 1 matches), the 21-year-old must decide his international future, he who was born in New York to parents of Nigerian origin, but grew up in England where he was educated at Arsenal’s academy.
Not called by England coach Gareth Southgate for the start of qualifying for Euro 2024, Balogun was visibly disappointed on Instagram. “In life, you have to go where you are appreciated”, published the young man. The next day, he joined the selection of English Hopes, before leaving Monday, officially “due to injury”.
“All I can say is that we have an open dialogue with the player”
Anthony Hudson, the United States interim coach
Since then, Folarin Balogun seems to have taken the direction of Orlando in the United States, where the American team is preparing for its next two CONCACAF Nations League matches (March 25 and 27 against Grenada then El Salvador).
The prolific Reims striker posted himself on Instagram on Wednesday in a car parked on a street in the city, heightening rumors of an upcoming meeting with the American federation, which is openly interested in the player after having had him in U18 (he represented England in all other categories, from U17 to Espoirs). “All I can say is that we have an open dialogue with the player,” confirmed last week Anthony Hudson, the American interim coach.
