Arsenal star Folarin Balogun hints at USMNT switch after being snubbed by England

Reims striker Folarin Balogun, in top form, appears to have given the US international team a big boost after sharing a cryptic message following his absence from England’s last squad.

The 21-year-old is thriving in France while on loan from Arsenal, scoring 17 goals in 28 games in all competitions for Reims, but his efforts on target were still not enough to earn him a place in the England squad. by Gareth Southgate.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate decided not to call him up, instead opting for Brentford striker Ivan Toney despite his recent betting scandal.

The New York-born Balogun may have been stung by the slight when he took to Instagram to post a story captioned “In life, go where [you’re] appreciated.’

The move comes just one day after the USMNT expressed interest in trying to lure the youngster into the Stars and Stripes.

The striker seemed hurt by the slight when he posted: ‘In life, go where [you’re] appreciated’

Balogun, is eligible to play for England and Nigeria, but was born in New York.

It would be a big boost for the USA, who need a reliable striker, while England and Nigeria already have a good complement in the No. 9 department.

The United States could also provide him the easiest route to the 2026 World Cup, with a roster spot all but guaranteed for the tournament on home soil.

Balogun has so far represented England at their respective youth levels and seemed set to continue in that fashion.

But interim USA head coach Anthony Hudson confirmed that the team had begun discussions with Balogun and his representatives about a possible trade.

“All I will say is that there is an open dialogue with him and his team,” Hudson told reporters on Wednesday. ‘That dialogue continues. This is all I can say.’

Meanwhile, former USMNT player Eric Wynalda recently said that USA needs to play on Balogun’s ego to woo him and give him a chance to be a star, something The Three Lions currently doesn’t offer.

“We have to appeal to his ego, which is the reality of this,” Wynalda said through Goal. ‘We should let him know he’s going to be a star. An absolute star in a World Cup, in his own country since he was born in New York.

USA interim head coach Anthony Hudson confirmed that they had opened talks with Balogun.

‘We need to lock him in with some sponsors as well. He will be a star with us. He won’t necessarily be a star with England. It will all come down to how important it is for him to be in the spotlight. That’s the only chance we have of catching him.

Meanwhile, AC Milan have identified Balogun as a potential target as they plan to invest in a new center forward during the summer transfer window.

According to Gazzetta dello Sportsthe Serie A outfit are looking for a long-term replacement for Olivier Giroud, who turns 37 in September.

Balogun is expected to return to Arsenal at the end of the season, but he faces stiff competition for minutes.

He will battle with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a place in Mikel Arteta’s team next season.