Folarin Balogun Meets With USA Coach And Players In Florida

Originally posted on FanNation Futbol
By Robert Summerscales | Last updated 3/24/23

Folarin Balogun has spoken to United States caretaker coach Anthony Hudson and multiple members of the USMNT squad in Florida this week as the 21-year-old continues to weigh up his international options.

Balogun, who is currently on loan from Arsenal at French club Reims, has yet to play senior international soccer but has represented the USA and England at youth level.

He was born in New York but spent most of his childhood in London. Balogun is also eligible to play for Nigeria, where both of his parents are from.

Balogun has been in sensational form for Reims this season, scoring 17 goals in Ligue 1, but he was not called up to England manager Gareth Southgate's latest first-team squad.

Instead, Balogun was picked to play for England U21s but withdrew from the squad with an injury.

He then flew to Orlando for a mini-break.

The USMNT have been training in Orlando ahead of their away game against Grenada on Friday.

Speaking ahead of that game, coach Hudson admitted that he and Balogun had crossed paths.

"As I've said before, we've had dialogue," Hudson told reporters.

Hudson added: "We've spoken. He's out here having a bit of a break and then some training, and we've had some discussions.

"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 with him again.

"It's been good and I know a few of the guys have spoken to him as well."