Folarin Balogun, a Nigerian striker by descent has been a subject of discussion after the forward reportedly made a trip to the United States after leaving England youth team duty.
Folarin was spotted in Orlando, Florida this week, near the camp of the United States Soccer Men National Team (USMNT).
Despite being born in America, Balogun has so far represented England throughout his youth football career.
The 21-year-old American who is also a citizen of Nigeria by descent has represented England’s U17, 18, 20, and 21 teams but it seems he would not continue playing for the Three Lions.
The Ligue 1 striker hinted at his frustration for not being included in England’s senior team squad in an Instagram story before pulling out of international duty when he was called up to Lee Carsley’s Under-21 side.
This build-up has heightened the hopes of many American fans that the New York City-born, London-raised youngster and Nigerian citizen by descent could switch allegiance to play for the USA.
And his recent post on social media suggests that he is likely to spurn England and Nigeria and commit to the USMNT.
In his latest social media post which was taken in Florida near Stars and Stripes camp, Balogun wrote “This heat!” alongside a picture of him sweating after a workout.
After England’s latest snub, the USA, which has shown interest in snatching Folarin away from England, could have been allowed to win him over in their pursuit.
USMNT interim coach, Anthony Hudson has confirmed that his staff is actively trying to bring in the Ligue1 attacker Folarin.
When the USMNT interim head coach was questioned about Balogun being nearby to the training base, he said: “With Flo, all I’ll say is that there is an open dialogue with him and his team, and that dialogue is continuing. That’s all I can say on that one.”
Bringing in the in-form Reims star would be a huge boost to the USA, who need a reliable striker.
The 21-year-old has been thriving for French side Reims, while on loan from Arsenal this season.
His loan spell has gone incredibly well seeing him score 17 goals in France’s top flight for Ligue 1 club Reims this season.
It remains to be seen whether he would commit to the USMNT during this international break or remains an England player and patiently wait for Gareth Southgate’s call.
However, The USA could provide Folarin Balogun with the simplest path to the 2026 World Cup tournament on his home soil if he does switch allegiance to them as it’s unlikely that he would play any games for the USMNT this international break.
The US will play their first match of the international break in the Concacaf Nations League against Grenada on Friday, March 24 in the Caribbean nation.
Thereafter, they will return to Florida to face El Salvador.
